Spanish Soccer Player Dies After Collision With Goalkeeper

The collision happened late in the November 2 match, which ended 2-2. Owono left his goal to challenge for a loose ball near midfield and struck De Miguel, who collapsed. He was treated on the field, taken by ambulance to hospital and later admitted to intensive care after suffering cardiac arrest. Tenerife announced his death at 8 a.m. on November 3, aged 30.

Owono was sent off after the challenge. He checked on De Miguel before medical staff arrived, and was later described as visibly shaken in the locker room. FC Andorra said its players were devastated and had been following De Miguel’s condition through club staff in contact with Tenerife. Defender Lautaro Spatz said Owono was deeply affected and would not have intended to hurt anyone.

Footage from the stands shows Owono involved in an argument with Tenerife goalkeeper Dani Martín before the collision. It also shows him celebrating Andorra’s 88th-minute equalizer. Former goalkeeper Santiago Cañizares said Owono used excessive force, while noting that goalkeepers may raise a knee to protect themselves when contesting a ball.

Police in Tenerife have opened an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter and are examining the emergency medical response. Court officials said deaths not caused by natural events trigger a judicial investigation. The Spanish football federation postponed the other matches scheduled for November 3. Tenerife’s statement relayed the family’s request for privacy.