Goalkeeper Jesus Owono considers quitting football after striker’s death — report

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono is reportedly considering retiring from football after his collision with Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel, who died following the incident.

The report, published by Mundo Deportivo and cited by multiple outlets, reveals the profound emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the FC Andorra goalkeeper, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE INCIDENT

Owono was in goal for FC Andorra when he collided with De Miguel, a 30-year-old forward for CD Tenerife, as he tried to clear the ball during a match on Monday, November 2, 2026.

De Miguel was left on the floor and received medical attention on the pitch before being transported to hospital.

He passed away the following morning from “accidental chest trauma”.

Owono was sent off, and the match was subsequently abandoned.

THE AFTERMATH

The goalkeeper has been left devastated by the tragedy. According to Ana Maye, a close friend of Owono and the general coordinator of the Equatorial Guinea national team, he is struggling to cope with the guilt.

“No matter how much we tell him, he’s deeply saddened,” Maye told Mundo Deportivo. “He’s very affected, especially for Jesus Miguel’s one-and-a-half-year-old son and for his widow. He doesn’t know how to handle all of this”.

Maye revealed that Owono has considered walking away from the game entirely.

FC Andorra are providing the goalkeeper with professional psychological support. The club has also been showing him videos of other athletes who have experienced similar traumatic incidents, in the hope that their experiences can help him come to terms with what happened.

OWONO’S STATEMENT

In a social media post the day after De Miguel’s death, Owono wrote: “These are the most difficult days of my life. I struggle to find the words, and I find it very hard to process what has happened. I feel enormous pain at the loss of Jesus. I think of him, his family, and all the people who loved him. I know there will be many questions to address. I will face whatever comes with the utmost respect. But right now, honestly, I cannot think about anything other than Jesus and the pain we are experiencing. Rest in peace, Jesus”.

THE FAMILY’S ORDEAL

Maye also revealed that Owono’s family has faced alleged verbal abuse and harassment. His younger brother, who plays football in the Basque Country, has reportedly been subjected to accusations and insults, including from parents of other players.

His sister, who studies in Valencia, has also been affected .The goalkeeper’s mother has traveled to Andorra to support him, while the rest of the family remains in the Basque Country.

Maye criticized the presence of journalists outside the family home and called for their privacy to be respected .

WHY IT MATTERS

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This is a tragedy that transcends football.A young man went to work, as he had done countless times before. He challenged for a ball. He collided with an opponent. And by the next morning, that opponent was dead.

Jesus Owono did not intend to kill anyone. But the weight of what happened is now his to bear. His club is supporting him. His family is rallying around him.

And the football community is left to confront the fragility of life and the devastating consequences that can flow from a single moment on the pitch.

Whether Owono returns to football, or walks away from the game entirely, is a decision that only he can make. For now, he is in pain. And the sport he loves is the last thing on his mind. ValidViewNetwork reports.