Spanish football joins Tenerife at Jesús de Miguel funeral in Navahermosa

Jesús de Miguel’s Tenerife teammates joined his family and representatives from across Spanish football in Navahermosa on Thursday for the striker’s funeral. The 30-year-old died on Tuesday after a collision during Monday’s second-division match against Andorra. The Guardian and Spanish news agencies reported that the service took place at the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel, with mourners filling the streets around the procession.

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Tenerife’s players, coaches and club officials travelled to the village in Toledo province to accompany the family. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente, Spanish federation president Rafael Louzán, players’ union president David Aganzo and Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez were among those attending, according to the reporting. Representatives of Andorra also came to pay their respects. After the service, Tenerife players carried their teammate’s coffin through the crowd.

Navahermosa was an important place in De Miguel’s family life, not simply the location chosen for his burial. EFE reported that his parents and grandparents came from the village and that he had spent periods there during childhood. Europa Press reported that the local council declared three days of official mourning, with flags on municipal buildings lowered to half-mast in recognition of his death.

The forward was taken to hospital after the collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. The Associated Press reported that Tenerife subsequently suspended activities involving its first team, women’s team and youth sides and declared six days of mourning. Club president Felipe Miñambres said players and their families would need support to cope with the loss, including professional help.

Support for De Miguel’s family has also extended beyond the funeral. According to The Guardian, former Tenerife player Fran Sol set up a crowdfunding appeal, while Almería said receipts from their home match against Tenerife would go to the family. Tenerife majority shareholder Rayco García pledged support for the striker’s daughter. Supporters have left flowers and candles outside gate nine at the Heliodoro Rodríguez López stadium.

A further tribute is planned at Tenerife’s stadium on Saturday, allowing supporters on the island to take part in the farewell. Thursday’s funeral brought the squad together with De Miguel’s relatives in his family’s village; the stadium event will give the club’s wider community another opportunity to remember him.