Known affectionately as “Demi” to his teammates and as Jesús de Miguel to Spanish soccer fans, the athlete’s passing was confirmed on Tuesday. This came a day after sustaining injuries from an in-game collision.
De Miguel’s career mirrored the journeys of many professional soccer players. He moved through Spain’s lower divisions, changing clubs while trying to make a living from the sport. Born in Madrid in 1996, he began with Leganés’ reserve team in 2015. The striker later played for several clubs around the Spanish capital.
De Miguel’s most successful season was with Castellón in 2023. His 16 goals helped the club earn a promotion to the second division. Despite challenges in the second tier, he transferred to Tenerife in 2025. Back in the third division, he scored 11 goals, aiding his team in securing another promotion.
Standing 6-foot-2 and left-footed, De Miguel was known for his prowess in aerial duels. On Monday, he chased a long pass in a game with FC Andorra. In stoppage time, he collided with the Andorra goalkeeper, resulting in cardiac arrest. He died the next morning in the hospital.
At age 30, De Miguel left behind a daughter and her mother. Former teammate Fernando Román expressed his grief, describing De Miguel as “humble, hard-working, and a good person.” Tenerife will honor him with a farewell in Navahermosa. Club president Felipe Miñambres emphasized the tribute, saying they will carry him in their hearts.
Spanish police launched an investigation into De Miguel’s death, examining if the collision might qualify as involuntary manslaughter. Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s chief prosecutor, José Luis Sánchez-Jáuregui, noted that criminal charges seem unlikely, as the collision occurred during play. Authorities will review the referee’s report and findings from the sports disciplinary committee.
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