Ronaldo ‘lost for words’ after Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel dies

Cristiano Ronaldo has paid tribute to Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died aged 30 after suffering a cardiac arrest and severe neurological deterioration following a collision during a match against FC Andorra.

The Al-Nassr forward was among a number of football figures to offer condolences after de Miguel’s death was announced. Argentina captain Lionel Messi also sent a message of sympathy.

Ronaldo wrote on his Instagram story: “Tragedy… I am lost for words… My thoughts and feelings are with the family. May his soul rest in peace.”

De Miguel was attempting to launch a counter-attack when he collided with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono. The striker had run from the halfway line as Owono left his penalty area to challenge for the ball.

The goalkeeper’s knee struck de Miguel in the chest and face, leaving the Tenerife player unconscious on the pitch. Players from both sides immediately called for medical assistance as concern spread across the stadium.

Medical teams treated de Miguel on the field for several minutes before carrying him away on a stretcher and transferring him to an ambulance. He was then taken to Hospital Universitario Nuestra Senora de Candelaria.

De Miguel suffered a cardiac and respiratory arrest, requiring medical staff to perform resuscitation during his transfer to hospital. The attempts restored his pulse, but he remained unconscious and was admitted to intensive care in a critical condition.

Tenerife announced during the early hours of Tuesday that the player’s neurological condition had deteriorated. The club later confirmed his death, ending efforts to save him after the incident.

The collision occurred while the match was taking place between Tenerife and FC Andorra. Although the immediate medical response brought back de Miguel’s pulse, he did not regain consciousness before his condition worsened.

Ronaldo’s message followed those from several prominent players and other members of the football community, who expressed their condolences to de Miguel’s family after the tragedy.