Cardoso Pays Emotional Tribute After Spanish Striker’s Tragic Death

The tragic death of Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel has shocked the football world, and Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Miguel Cardoso has joined the international football community in mourning.

Following the 30-year-old's death this week following a serious on-field incident during a Spanish second-division match, the Portuguese tactician paid tribute to the former CD Tenerife forward.

After a collision with Jesús Owono, the goalkeeper for FC Andorra, during Tenerife's match against Andorra on Monday, 2 November, De Miguel tragically suffered a cardiac arrest. With the score tied at 2-2, the incident occurred during stoppage time of the match.

Medical staff tended to the striker right away, and then they hurried him to the hospital. His death was confirmed by Tenerife on Tuesday morning, despite efforts to preserve his life. This news devastated his teammates, family, supporters, and the wider football community.

The tragic event has garnered a lot of media attention, and many prominent football clubs, players, and coaches have offered their sympathies to De Miguel's loved ones.

Football unites people regardless of club allegiance or nationality, as Cardoso's tribute serves as further evidence. Although the Sundowns coach is involved in South African football, the tragic loss of a fellow professional has had an impact on the entire sporting community.

De Miguel, a 30-year-old who had played for multiple Spanish clubs, signed with Tenerife in 2025. He was a well-respected forward throughout his career and had a significant impact on Castellón's promotion to the Spanish second division.

Owono, the opposing goalkeeper, has also had a tough time dealing with the circumstances surrounding his death. A collision during the match resulted in the sending off of the Andorra goalkeeper. The days that followed the tragedy were the most trying of his life, he said in a statement issued via his club.

Members of his club's staff and players who were impacted by the incident have access to psychological support, according to his club's confirmation.

Authorities in Spanish football have also planned a number of memorial events to pay tribute to De Miguel. LaLiga, the Spanish Football Federation, and Liga F have all announced plans for tributes throughout their competitions. These include pauses in the ninth minute to recognize his jersey number, special shirts, and moments of silence.

On Saturday, November 7, Tenerife also had a moving memorial service at its stadium. Thousands of fans paid tribute to the late striker, who was also remembered by teammates, relatives, and club officials from other teams.

Cardoso and the football community have taken this tragedy as a sobering reminder that there is more to football than just winning and losing.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119385055122338263/photo/1?a=UxJt80b0Wdx5XcR65Wo&s=19