Published: November 4, 2026
MONROVIA — Equatorial Guinea international goalkeeper Jesus Owono has come under public scrutiny following the death of Spanish forward Jesus de Miguel after a collision during Monday’s Spanish second-division match between Tenerife and FC Andorra.
Owono, who plays for Andorra, received a straight red card for the challenge in stoppage time.
The incident occurred when De Miguel appeared to be advancing toward goal following a clearance from Tenerife’s defensive area.
Owono rushed out of his penalty area and jumped to challenge for the ball, making contact with the forward.
Medical personnel immediately attended to De Miguel before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.
Owono, 25, was born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, but moved to Spain’s Basque Country as a child.
He began his football career with Antiguoko before joining Real Sociedad’s youth setup.
He moved to Deportivo Alaves in 2017 and progressed through the club’s youth ranks before making his senior debut in a 1-1 draw against Real Sociedad in January 2022.
He became the first player born in Equatorial Guinea to feature in Spain’s top flight.
Owono made 20 appearances for Alaves across La Liga and the Copa del Rey before joining FC Andorra on loan last season.
He recorded six clean sheets in 20 league appearances before completing a permanent move in August, signing a two-year contract.
At international level, Owono made his debut for Equatorial Guinea in March 2019, shortly after turning 18. He has since earned 46 caps and represented his country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The incident could lead to further disciplinary action from Spanish football authorities.
The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code reportedly provides for suspensions of four to 12 matches for violent conduct during play resulting in serious injury.
Any additional sanction would depend on the findings of the relevant disciplinary proceedings and an assessment of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Meanwhile, reports from local media in Tenerife indicate that the National Police’s Homicide Group in Santa Cruz de Tenerife has begun investigating the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death.
Under Article 142 of Spain’s Penal Code, causing death through gross negligence can carry a prison sentence of up to four years, while less serious negligence can attract a financial penalty.
However, investigators must establish the circumstances of the incident and determine whether any criminal conduct occurred before they can resolve questions of legal responsibility.
The incident has generated widespread reactions on social media, with some users calling for severe punishment. Owono has also reportedly faced racist abuse and personal attacks following the tragedy.
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