Zidane 'deeply affected' by death of Spanish player following on-field collision

PARIS (AP) - France coach Zinedine Zidane paid tribute to a Spanish second-division player who died after an on-field collision and wished it will never happen again.

"I'm saddened by what happened, deeply affected," Zidane said on Friday at his latest squad announcement for Nations League games. "It even gives me goosebumps, because you never want to see something like that on a football pitch."

Tenerife forward Jesús de Miguel died this week after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with an opposing goalkeeper.

"Above all, I feel sad for the family," Zidane added. "I hope I never see anything like that again on a football pitch for the rest of my life."

___

See AP´s full soccer coverage here

Flower wreaths are photographed in the hearse carrying the remains of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, at his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

Mourners carry the coffin of CD Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel, who died Tuesday following a collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a soccer match, during his funeral in Navahermosa, central Spain, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Andrea Comas)

You may like

Footballer Jesus Owono’s mother rushes to Andorra to comfort him after fatal on-pitch collision

Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't accept Portugal reality and it's cost him Lionel Messi farewell

6 Cristiano Ronaldo International World Records That Will Probably Never Be Broken

New England star Josh King played different sport that 'you wouldn't expect' after joining Fulham

'¿Que pasa?!' | Natalia Ramos finds a slice of home at Castro's in Liverpool

Reactions as Rayan Honours Ronaldo With Celebration in Bournemouth Europa League Win