Spanish football has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda, a talented striker whose journey through the country's football divisions was marked by determination, hard work and an impressive record of achievements.
The 30-year-old CD Tenerife forward passed away on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, following a serious on-field collision during a league match against FC Andorra. His death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from football organisations, clubs, teammates and supporters across the world.
From UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin to football giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United, tributes have continued to arrive for the Spanish footballer.
But beyond the heartbreaking headlines, who exactly was Jesús de Miguel Alameda? What was his football journey like, and how did he become an important player for CD Tenerife?
Here is a closer look at his life, biography, football career, achievements and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death.
Who Was Jesús de Miguel Alameda?
Jesús de Miguel Alameda was a Spanish professional footballer born on September 21, 1996, in Madrid, Spain.
He played as a striker and was known professionally as Jesús de Miguel, or by the nickname "Demi".
Standing approximately 1.90 metres tall, the Spanish forward was a left-footed player whose career developed through several Spanish football clubs before he eventually established himself in the professional divisions.
Unlike footballers whose careers begin with immediate recognition at major European clubs, De Miguel's journey was built gradually. He progressed through youth football, lower divisions and different competitive environments, earning opportunities through his performances.
His determination eventually took him to clubs such as Unionistas de Salamanca, CD Castellón and, ultimately, CD Tenerife.
Jesús de Miguel's Early Life and Football Beginnings
De Miguel began developing his football career in the Madrid football system.
His early football journey included Lugo Fuenlabrada and the youth setup at CD Leganés, where he progressed into senior football.
During the 2015–2016 season, he featured for Leganés B before moving through other clubs in the Madrid football scene.
His early career was not necessarily the glamorous side of professional football, but it provided the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey through Spain's football divisions.
In 2017, he joined Internacional de Madrid, where he contributed nine goals in 33 appearances across the relevant period, according to the Madrid football federation.
He also had spells with CF Fuenlabrada and Unión Adarve before joining CDA Navalcarnero.
These experiences helped him develop as a forward and provided opportunities to demonstrate his ability to find the back of the net.
His Football Career and Clubs
Jesús de Miguel represented several clubs during his professional journey. His career included:
- CD Leganés B
- Internacional de Madrid
- CF Fuenlabrada
- AD Unión Adarve
- CDA Navalcarnero
- Unionistas de Salamanca CF
- CD Castellón
- CD Tenerife
One notable part of his career came at CDA Navalcarnero, where he scored four goals during the 2020–2021 campaign.
He subsequently joined Unionistas de Salamanca, where his performances became even more impressive. During the 2021–2022 season, he scored 12 goals, establishing himself as a forward capable of making a significant contribution to his team's attacking play.
His next major move was to CD Castellón in 2023.
The CD Castellón Years: An Important Chapter in His Career
His time at CD Castellón represented one of the most successful periods of his football journey.
During three campaigns with the club, De Miguel scored 25 goals, according to his official CD Tenerife biography.
His contribution helped Castellón achieve promotion to the Segunda División, giving him another important milestone in his career.
It was a period that demonstrated his ability to compete at a higher level and maintain his reputation as a productive striker.
His performances at Castellón also helped create the opportunity for his eventual move to CD Tenerife.
Joining CD Tenerife and Achieving Promotion
In 2025, Jesús de Miguel joined CD Tenerife, taking another important step in his football career.
The Spanish forward became part of a team with ambitions of returning to the higher levels of Spanish football.
His contribution was particularly significant during Tenerife's successful promotion campaign, as the club secured its return to the Segunda División.
For De Miguel, this achievement was another milestone in a career that had involved years of hard work, movement between clubs and gradual progression.
He had worked his way through different levels of Spanish football, and the opportunity to represent Tenerife in the professional second division was an important chapter in his story.
Unfortunately, his time at the club would end in circumstances nobody could have anticipated.
How Did Jesús de Miguel Die?
The circumstances surrounding De Miguel's death have left the football community deeply saddened.
On Monday, November 2, 2026, CD Tenerife faced FC Andorra in a Spanish second-division fixture at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López Stadium.
During the closing stages of the encounter, De Miguel was involved in a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono while challenging for the ball.
The incident required immediate medical attention, with medical personnel rushing onto the pitch to attend to the Tenerife forward.
The match was subsequently abandoned as attention shifted to the player's medical emergency.
De Miguel was taken to hospital, where he received intensive medical care.
Despite the efforts to save his life, his condition deteriorated, and CD Tenerife confirmed his death at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
He was 30 years old.
The tragic development shocked his teammates, the club's supporters and football fans who had followed the incident.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin Reacts to His Death
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin expressed his sadness over the death of the Spanish striker.
In a statement released through European football's governing body, Čeferin said the organisation was heartbroken by the news.
He extended his thoughts and condolences to De Miguel's family, teammates, CD Tenerife and everyone mourning the loss.
UEFA also announced that moments of silence would be observed at its matches throughout the week in honour of the deceased footballer.
The gesture reflects the sadness surrounding the loss of a player whose career and life ended far too soon.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester United Pay Tribute
Tributes have also arrived from some of the biggest football clubs in the world.
Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Real Madrid expressed their condolences, offering support to De Miguel's family, friends and everyone connected with CD Tenerife.
English clubs Arsenal and Manchester United also joined the football community in mourning his death.
Other clubs, including AC Milan, Juventus, Manchester City and Brazilian side Flamengo, also expressed their sympathy.
Even Nigerian football club Katsina United shared a condolence message, demonstrating how the tragic news had reached football communities beyond Spain.
The widespread reaction shows that football is more than a competition between clubs. In moments like this, the sport brings people together in shared grief and solidarity.
What Will Jesús de Miguel Be Remembered For?
Jesús de Miguel's story is one of persistence and determination.
He did not build his career overnight. From his early days in Madrid's football system to his experiences with clubs across Spain, he continued working towards greater opportunities.
His goals for Unionistas de Salamanca and CD Castellón, his contribution to Castellón's promotion and his involvement in Tenerife's return to the Segunda División all formed part of a career built through dedication.
He also represented the thousands of professional and lower-division footballers whose journeys often receive less international attention but remain an important part of the beautiful game.
His death at just 30 years old is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be.
For his family, teammates, friends and supporters, the loss goes far beyond football.
Final Thoughts
The death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda is a devastating loss for CD Tenerife and Spanish football.
A player who had spent years working his way through the football system, achieving promotions and contributing goals to his teams has sadly passed away at an age when many footballers are still enjoying some of the best years of their careers.
As tributes continue to pour in from across the football world, his achievements and contribution to the clubs he represented will remain part of his legacy.
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, teammates, CD Tenerife and everyone affected by this tragedy.
Rest in peace, Jesús de Miguel Alameda.
Football has lost a player, but his journey and memory will not be forgotten. 🖤⚽