Jesus Owono’s mother makes five-hour journey to comfort son after fatal clash kills Tenerife striker

The mother of Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono has travelled to Andorra to support her son as he struggles to cope with the death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel following their fatal on-field collision.

Maria del Carmen Owono Mangue made the five-and-a-half-hour journey from San Sebastian, in Spain’s Basque Country, to be with the 25-year-old goalkeeper, who has been left devastated by the incident.

De Miguel died in hospital on Tuesday morning, hours after suffering serious injuries in a collision with Owono during a Spanish second-division encounter between FC Andorra and Tenerife.

The tragedy has left both families mourning, while Owono is reportedly finding it difficult to process the death of a fellow professional footballer following an incident in which he was directly involved.

A younger brother confirmed that their mother had travelled to Andorra to provide emotional support for the goalkeeper.

“We’re all very distraught. My mum has gone to be with Jesus because he is suffering,” he said.

A mother’s support during her son’s darkest days

Owono shares a particularly close relationship with his mother, who played a significant role in his journey from Equatorial Guinea to professional football in Europe.

The goalkeeper moved to San Sebastian at the age of eight to reunite with Maria, who had earlier emigrated in search of employment to support her family. During their separation, an aunt had taken care of the youngster.

Owono, the eldest of six children, previously explained that his move to Spain was driven by a desire to be reunited with his mother rather than an ambition to become a professional footballer.

“I came in pursuit of a dream, not the dream of playing football, but the dream of being with my mother,” he said.

Maria has also spoken about the pride she takes in watching her son pursue his passion, describing his happiness as one of her greatest joys.

“Waking up in the morning and seeing your child doing what they love most is a mother’s greatest joy,” she said in an earlier interview.

Her decision to travel to Andorra reflects the close bond they have maintained since reuniting in Spain.

A source close to the goalkeeper described Maria as one of the most important people in his life, highlighting the role she has played in helping him adjust to a new country and supporting his football development.

Andorra supporters rally behind distraught goalkeeper

Beyond his family, Owono has also received messages of support from his club, team-mates and FC Andorra supporters following the tragedy.

The goalkeeper has reportedly shut down his social media accounts amid the distressing aftermath of the incident and the insults and threats directed at him.

Members of the club’s supporters’ group have visited him alongside some of his team-mates, delivering a letter expressing solidarity and urging him not to face the difficult period alone.

The supporters condemned the abuse directed at the goalkeeper and emphasised that the incident should not define his character.

“We also want you to know that we categorically reject all the insults, threats, and judgments you’ve been receiving lately. An accident doesn’t define a person, much less their character,” the letter read.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting him when he eventually returns to the pitch, describing him affectionately as their ‘Spider-Man’.

The message stressed that his immediate priority should be recovery, assuring him that the supporters would remain behind him throughout the process.

How the fatal collision happened

The tragedy occurred during Monday’s second-division meeting between FC Andorra and CD Tenerife, which was suspended at 2-2 following the incident.

Owono was sent off after making contact with De Miguel with his knee in the chest during a challenge for the ball late in stoppage time.

The match referee’s report described the goalkeeper’s challenge as involving excessive force.

De Miguel, 30, reportedly suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch and was revived by paramedics before being transported to hospital in Tenerife.

However, his condition deteriorated, with the club confirming his death at approximately 9:30am local time on Tuesday.

A preliminary post-mortem report indicated that his death was consistent with accidental chest trauma, although further examination results remain pending.

His death has left his partner, Marta Fernandez, their one-year-old daughter Carla, his parents and the wider football community devastated.

Owono breaks silence over striker’s death

The Equatorial Guinea international addressed the tragedy on Wednesday through a statement released by FC Andorra, describing the period as the most difficult of his life.

He expressed his grief over De Miguel’s death and extended his thoughts to the striker’s family and loved ones.

“These are the most difficult days of my life.

“I am struggling to find the words, and it is very hard for me to process anything that has happened.

“I feel immense pain over the loss of Jesus. I am thinking of him, his family, and all the people who loved him.

“I know there will be many matters to address, and I will face whatever comes with complete respect.

“But right now, honestly, I cannot think of anything other than Jesus and the grief we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

Meanwhile, police in Tenerife have confirmed that homicide squad officers are investigating whether the incident could amount to involuntary manslaughter.

Owono could also face disciplinary action, with a lengthy football suspension a possibility. However, legal experts have questioned whether criminal prosecution would be appropriate given that the incident occurred during open play.