Football Community Gathers for Jesús de Miguel Funeral in Navahermosa
Friends, family, and prominent football figures gathered in La Mancha to mourn the tragic passing of the Tenerife striker. The Spanish football community has pledged ongoing support for his widow and young daughter.
On Thursday afternoon, the Spanish football community gathered in the La Mancha village of Navahermosa for the Jesús de Miguel funeral. Known affectionately as 'Demi', the Tenerife striker tragically passed away following an on-field collision with Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono just three days earlier. The small municipality, home to a population of 3,587 people, became the focal point of mourning as family, friends, and sporting figures arrived to pay their final respects to the late player.
Procession to San Miguel Arcángel
The solemn proceedings began at the local funeral home before the procession moved through Navahermosa to the parish church of San Miguel Arcángel. The attendance of prominent footballing figures underscored the shock and sadness surrounding the sudden death of Jesús de Miguel Alameda.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente was among the mourners who travelled to the village to offer his condolences directly to the bereaved family. He highlighted the unity of the sport in the face of tragedy, stating:
We wanted to be close to his parents, his wife and daughter. In moments of pain, football comes together more than ever
Tenerife Leadership Pledges Long-Term Support
The emotional devastation felt within the Tenerife squad was acknowledged by the club's hierarchy, who recognise the psychological impact of losing a teammate under such traumatic circumstances. Tenerife president Felipe Miñambres openly addressed the necessity of mental health support for the squad in the aftermath of the collision.
We will get through this together but we will need help, professional help
Beyond the immediate playing staff, the club has made a firm commitment to De Miguel's surviving family members. Rayco García, the majority shareholder of Tenerife, issued a heartfelt plea to the squad. García asked De Miguel's teammates to remain close to his widow, Maria, during this mourning period. Additionally, he vowed that the club would forever take care of the striker's young daughter, Clara, ensuring that the institution provides enduring support for the family left behind.