Goalkeeper Jesus Owono Faces Scrutiny and Potential Punishment After Tragic On-Field Incident Leading to Player's Death

Deportivo Alaves goalkeeper Jesus Owono has become a prominent figure globally following a challenge that tragically resulted in the death of Tenerife forward Jesus de Miguel. The 30-year-old forward passed away in a Santa Cruz hospital on Tuesday morning after suffering a cardiac arrest. This occurred in the aftermath of a high challenge by Andorra goalkeeper Owono during stoppage time of a La Liga 2 match on Monday. Owono was shown a straight red card for the challenge and has since faced widespread criticism for his role in the incident. Local police are reportedly investigating the event.

Who is Jesus Owono?

Born in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, the 25-year-old goalkeeper relocated to Spain's Basque Country in his childhood. His football journey began at the youth club Antiguoko in San Sebastian at age eight. After moving to Real Sociedad, he represented the Basque Country's under-16 side. Owono joined Alaves in 2017, progressing through their youth system before making his first-team debut against Real Sociedad in January 2022, becoming the first player born in his country to play in La Liga. He has since made 20 appearances in the league and Copa del Rey. Last season, he was on loan with La Liga 2 side Andorra, where he recorded six clean sheets in 20 league games before securing a permanent move in August on a two-year contract.

Owono debuted for Equatorial Guinea shortly after turning 18 in March 2019 and has earned 46 caps for his country. He played every minute of their three group stage matches in the 2025 AFCON and both their AFCON 2027 qualifiers against DR Congo and Sierra Leone in September.

Owono's Reaction to the Collision

Following the collision with De Miguel in the centre circle, Owono did not look back at his fallen opponent but walked towards the touchline, seemingly anticipating the red card issued by referee Manuel Angel Perez Hernandez. As he left the field, after shaking hands with teammate Nacho Quintana, he turned back when medical staff were urgently called onto the pitch. He then jogged to join the players surrounding De Miguel, who was lying on the turf. Owono remained on the field until he was escorted off by club officials. Videos circulating online showed Tenerife fans chanting “assassin” at Owono as De Miguel was being taken off the field on a stretcher towards a waiting ambulance.

Reasons for Online Abuse Directed at Owono

The challenge made by Owono on De Miguel has been widely condemned as reckless and excessively forceful. With Andorra trailing 2-0 and pressing for an equalizer in the final seven minutes, Owono sprinted from his area to challenge De Miguel in the air near the halfway line. His knee appeared to strike De Miguel in the chest and head as the ball dropped. Social media users have called for a lifetime ban from football and criminal charges against Owono. His personal profile has also been inundated with racist abuse, insults, and comments labelling him a “murderer”.

Potential Punishment for Owono by Spanish Football Authorities

It is highly probable that Spanish football authorities will impose a punishment. The Spanish Football Federation’s Disciplinary Code outlines suspensions ranging from four to 12 matches for players found guilty of violent conduct resulting in serious injury. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding De Miguel’s death will review the challenge and its context to determine the appropriate sanction.

Could a Footballer Face Negligent Manslaughter Charges?

While a significant sporting penalty appears inevitable, many football fans are advocating for criminal charges as well. Reports from local media in Tenerife on Tuesday indicated that the Homicide Group of the National Police in Santa Cruz has initiated an investigation into the circumstances of De Miguel’s death. Player fatalities resulting from on-field actions during a match are exceedingly rare, and there is no established precedent for such a tragic case. The decision on whether to press charges will likely hinge on whether Owono’s challenge meets the legal threshold for criminal negligence. Article 142 of the Spanish Penal Code differentiates between manslaughter due to gross negligence, which can carry a prison sentence of up to four years, and manslaughter due to less serious negligence, punishable by a fine equivalent to three to 18 months' income.