Posted by Chinenye on Fri 06th Nov, 2026 - tori.ng
A football goalkeeper is reportedly struggling emotionally after a collision during a match led to the death of an opposing player.
(Jesus Owono. Photo by The Times)
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono is thinking about retiring from football completely, after his collision with Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel.
The two players collided on Monday, November 2, 2026, while Owono was playing for Andorra FC and trying to clear the ball.
De Miguel was left on the pitch and taken to hospital.
He died the next morning from what doctors described as accidental chest trauma.
Owono was sent off for the challenge.
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo reports that Owono is struggling emotionally and may walk away from professional football.
Ana Maye, a close friend of Owono and general coordinator of the Equatorial Guinea men's national team, said the tragedy has hit him hard, even with support from those around him.
"No matter how much we tell him, he's deeply saddened," she said.
"He's very affected, especially for Jesús Miguel's one and-a half year old son and for his widow.
He doesn't know how to handle all of this."
Owono has been getting psychological support from his team.
He also posted a statement on social media expressing his grief.
"These are the most difficult days of my life," he wrote.
"I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him."
De Miguel's funeral took place on Thursday, November 5, in his hometown of Navahermosa, in Toledo province.
Hundreds of mourners attended, including Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente.
Maye said Owono's family has also faced abuse, with some people attacking his relatives online and in person.
She said De Miguel's brother has been called a murderer, and that teammates and some parents have been insulting him.