GOALKEEPER OWONO CONSIDERS RETIREMENT AFTER COLLISION THAT KILLED SPANISH STRIKER

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By: Hammad Fasasi

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper, Jesus Owono, is reportedly considering retiring from professional football following his involvement in a collision that resulted in the death of Spanish striker Jesus de Miguel.

Owono was representing Andorra FC when he collided with De Miguel while attempting to clear the ball during a match on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The Tenerife forward was left on the pitch after the challenge and subsequently rushed to hospital, where he died the following morning from what was described as “accidental chest trauma”.

The goalkeeper was shown a red card for the challenge and has reportedly been struggling emotionally since the striker’s death.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Owono is considering stepping away from professional football following the tragic incident.

Ana Maye, a close friend of the goalkeeper and general coordinator of the Equatorial Guinea men’s national team, said the incident had deeply affected him despite efforts by those around him to provide emotional support.

She explained that Owono was particularly troubled by the loss suffered by De Miguel’s family, including his widow and one-and-a-half-year-old son.

“No matter how much we tell him, he’s deeply saddened.

“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,” she said.

Owono, who has been receiving psychological support from his team, also issued a statement expressing his grief over the striker’s death.

In a social media post, the goalkeeper described the period as the most difficult days of his life, admitting that he was struggling to come to terms with what had happened.

He said he was deeply pained by the loss and extended his thoughts to De Miguel’s family and loved ones, adding that he would face any questions arising from the incident with the utmost respect.

However, he maintained that his immediate concern was the deceased striker and the pain experienced by those affected by his death.

“Rest in peace, Jesus,” he added.

De Miguel was buried in his hometown of Navahermosa, in Spain’s Toledo province, on Thursday, November 5.

Hundreds of mourners, including family members and prominent figures in Spanish football, attended the funeral to pay their final respects.

Among those present were Real Madrid president Florentino Perez and Spain national team coach Luis de la Fuente.

Meanwhile, Maye revealed that Owono’s family had also faced abuse following the incident, with some individuals reportedly targeting his relatives both online and in person.

She disclosed that the goalkeeper’s brother had been labelled a murderer, while Owono had also faced hostility from some teammates and parents.

“They’re calling Jesús’s brother a murderer. He’s being heckled by his teammates, and even some parents are insulting him,” she said.