Spanish police have launched an investigation into possible involuntary manslaughter following the death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who died in hospital on Tuesday after suffering a cardiac arrest during a football match.

De Miguel, 30, collapsed on the pitch following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second-division fixture on Monday.

The incident occurred during stoppage time when Owono rushed out of his penalty area to clear the ball but collided with the forward, striking him in the chest.

De Miguel received medical attention on the pitch before being rushed to hospital, while the match was abandoned and Owono was shown a red card.

Tenerife initially announced that the striker was “stable, despite the severity of his condition”. However, the club later disclosed that his neurological condition had deteriorated before confirming his death in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to The Independent, Spain’s National Police confirmed on Tuesday that prosecutors would be involved in the investigation.

However, authorities in the Canary Islands described the investigation as a routine procedure, explaining that Spanish law requires a judicial inquiry whenever a death is considered non-natural.

In a statement announcing his death, Tenerife expressed deep sorrow, saying:

“Heartbroken, with a lump in our throats and unable to believe this is true, we at CD Tenerife announce the tragic passing of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. There are no words of comfort. There is absolutely nothing that can ease this overwhelming sense of sadness.”

Owono, an Equatorial Guinea international, has reportedly deactivated his Instagram account following the incident.

FC Andorra also expressed condolences to De Miguel’s family, teammates and club.

“With broken hearts, we want to send our most sincere condolences to the family of Jesus de Miguel, to all his teammates, friends, and to CD Tenerife. Rest in peace, Jesus,” the club said.

Several Spanish clubs, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, paid tribute to the late striker. English Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool also expressed their condolences through social media.

The global players' union, FIFPRO, equally expressed sadness over his death.

“FIFPRO is deeply saddened by the passing of CD Tenerife player Jesus de Miguel. Our thoughts are with Jesus’ family, friends, teammates, everyone at CD Tenerife, and all those affected. Rest in peace, Jesus,” it stated.

La Liga president Javier Tebas said he was shocked by the footballer's death, adding that the league would support Tenerife and De Miguel’s family.

He also disclosed that he would discuss the possibility of postponing the club’s next fixture and organising a joint tribute with the Segunda Division.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin also expressed condolences, describing the incident as heartbreaking.

“We are heartbroken by the death of Jesus de Miguel Alameda. We have searched for words and found only silence. In that silence, our hearts and thoughts are with his family, his teammates, everyone at Tenerife, and all those who mourn this tragic loss,” he said.

UEFA subsequently announced that matches across its competitions this week would begin with a minute of silence in honour of the deceased footballer.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Football Federation announced the postponement of Tuesday’s Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches in response to the tragedy.

The incident comes amid previous cases of footballers dying following medical emergencies during matches in Spain and other countries.

Last year, a 19-year-old goalkeeper in Spain died from head injuries sustained during a fifth-division match.

Colindres goalkeeper Raúl Ramírez reportedly suffered two cardiorespiratory arrests, one on the pitch and another in the ambulance while being transported to hospital.

He was declared brain dead two days later.

Similarly, in 2001, Ukrainian goalkeeper Serhiy Perkhun died from head injuries sustained in a collision during a match while playing for Russian club CSKA Moscow.