UEFA announces tributes for Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel after fatal collision

UEFA has ordered a minute’s silence at European matches this week following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died aged 30 after a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second-tier match.

The tributes began with the opening matches of matchday four in the Champions League league phase on Tuesday, including Galatasaray against VfB Stuttgart and Shakhtar Donetsk against Sporting CP.

A minute’s silence was held before both fixtures in memory of the Tenerife player.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said the organisation was “heartbroken” by de Miguel’s death and offered his condolences to the striker’s family, team-mates and everyone at Tenerife.

He added that European football would stand in mourning for the player this week as a mark of respect.

UEFA confirmed that the tribute would continue during Champions League matches on Tuesday and Wednesday, before also taking place at Europa League and Conference League games on Thursday.

De Miguel suffered the injury during Tenerife’s match against Andorra in Spain’s Segunda Division. The forward collided with Owono while both players challenged for the ball near the halfway line.

He sustained serious chest injuries, which caused cardiopulmonary arrest. After being taken to hospital, his death was announced by Tenerife on Tuesday morning.

The club described itself as “heartbroken” in an emotional statement confirming the news. Messages of condolence followed from clubs and players around the world, including Lionel Messi, while Real Madrid planned to hold a minute’s silence before their match.

Galatasaray said in a statement that “no words can describe the extent of the sadness” and sent its condolences to de Miguel’s family and everyone connected with Tenerife.

The Turkish club ended its message by saying: “Rest in peace, Jesus.”

VfB Stuttgart also expressed its deepest condolences to the striker’s family and all those associated with Tenerife in a statement posted on its official account on X.

The death has brought mourning to matches across European football, with clubs showing their support for Tenerife and de Miguel’s family through formal statements and pre-match tributes.