Luis Rioja urges support for Jesus Owono after fatal Tenerife tragedy

Valencia winger Luis Rioja has called for urgent psychological support for Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono after the incident that led to the death of Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel.

Rioja used comments reported by Mundo Deportivo on Thursday to offer his former Deportivo Alaves team-mate public support, as Spanish football continued to mourn the tragedy.

“The most important thing now is to support the victim’s family, friends, club and everyone affected by this tragedy,” Rioja said. “We want to send them all our encouragement and support, and certainly every match will be dedicated to him and to his great sporting spirit.”

The 30-year-old added that football’s capacity to bring enjoyment could not shield it from moments of profound sadness.

“We know football exists to be enjoyed, but it also contains tragic moments that we would never wish to experience,” he said. “The best tribute we can pay him is to dedicate these matches to him.”

Tenerife are scheduled to face Granada in Segunda Division on 07 November 2026, while Andorra are due to play Mallorca in the same competition on 08 November 2026.

Rioja then focused on Owono’s mental state, saying he knew the goalkeeper well from their time together in Vitoria. The Valencia player stressed that the former Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper would be dealing with an especially painful aftermath.

“Owono is an exceptionally kind person. He is truly a good man, and he is going through an extremely difficult time,” Rioja said.

He also described Owono as another person who would suffer deeply as a result of the tragedy and said those around him needed to provide immediate help.

“He will need psychological support. He will be the first person to feel the sadness and pain caused by this tragedy,” Rioja said. “We send him all our support and encouragement. The most important thing is his support network and trying to help him psychologically.”

Rioja ended by describing the shock felt throughout the football community and acknowledged how difficult it was to understand what Owono might be experiencing.

“We have all been shocked,” he said. “Even when an accidental collision happens and you injure a team-mate, you feel terrible. I cannot even imagine what he is going through now.”