Football rallies around Jesus de Miguel’s family after emotional fundraising appeal

Jesus de Miguel’s family have received more than €213,000 raised through a crowdfunding campaign launched by footballer Fran Sol following the player’s death during a match between Tenerife and Andorra.

In a statement published by Spanish agency AFE, the family thanked everyone who had contributed and said every gesture of support had been meaningful.

“We have now received the donations from the crowdfunding campaign launched by footballer Fran Sol, and we would like to express our deepest thanks and gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of love and support we have received,” the statement said.

“We were deeply moved to see so many people gather around this initiative. Every kind gesture means a great deal to us, and we want you to know that we have received all these generous feelings with immense affection.”

The family also thanked those who had sent messages of support, saying their words had offered some comfort while they continued to deal with the shock of their loss.

The fundraising attracted significant support from within and beyond football. Cadiz president Christian Septien donated €15,000, while Ceuta president Luhay Hamido contributed €3,500.

Players also made substantial donations, with Pedro Porro giving €3,500 and Marc Bartra €3,000. Alex Remiro and Borja Iglesias each donated €2,500.

The incident occurred on Monday, 2 November, during a Segunda Division match between Tenerife and Andorra. The score was 2-2 when Jesus de Miguel moved towards a high ball at the same moment that Andorra goalkeeper Owono came out of his goal to challenge for it.

Owono jumped and collided heavily with the Spanish player, prompting silence across the stadium. De Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest and received immediate treatment on the pitch, while the Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper was shown a straight red card.

Players and supporters watched in shock as medical staff attempted to help De Miguel. After several hours of uncertainty, his death was announced the following day, turning the fixture into a lasting and painful memory.

Owono later spoke of his grief over the incident.

“These are the most difficult days of my life. I am finding it extremely hard to express my feelings and I cannot comprehend what has happened,” he said. “I feel enormous pain at Jesus’ death, and I am thinking of him, his family and everyone who loved him.”

He added: “I know there are many matters that must be addressed, and I will face whatever comes with respect. But right now, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus.”

The family said the support showed how strongly people had united with them, helping to keep De Miguel’s memory alive among those who knew him and those who had never met him but felt his loss deeply.