Jesus de Miguel’s Death Is Not The Only On-Field Football Tragedy of 2026: Remembering Other Four Players Who Died This Year

The death of CD Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono has once again brought attention to the dangers footballers can face during matches. The 30-year-old died on November 3 after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest following the incident in a Spanish second-division fixture.

However, De Miguel is not the only association footballer to have lost his life following an incident on the pitch this year. From a medical emergency during a Portuguese cup match to a lightning strike in Thailand, 2026 has witnessed five reported tragedies involving footballers during or immediately after matches.

BREAKING: Spanish football club CD Tenerife confirms that forward Jesus de Miguel has died after a hard tackle by FC Andorra’s goalkeeper during yesterday’s match https://t.co/3WYdQJIjIz

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Here is a look at the five cases and what happened.

1. Nassur Bacem (January 21, Portugal)

Portuguese club Moncarapachense lost 27-year-old defender Nassur Bacem after he collapsed during a cup match against Imortal in the Algarve Football Association Cup. The left-back fell unconscious in the 27th minute after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. Medical staff and emergency responders attended to him, but he could not be saved while being taken to hospital.

Bacem had represented several Portuguese clubs during his career, including Sporting CP, Braga and Leixoes.

We regret the death of our player 🇦🇴, Nassur Bacem, who played for Mocarapachense, a victim of cardiac arrest while playing a match for the Algarve Cup. https://t.co/6wOsaBu8EZ

2. Amelia Aplin (March 8, England)

Oxford United’s academy was left mourning the death of 15-year-old goalkeeper Amelia Aplin. She collapsed while playing in a Girls’ Academy match against Fulham at the club’s training centre on March 7. Oxford United confirmed her death the following day, calling her an ‘enormously talented goalkeeper’.

RIP Amelia 💔 Goalkeeper Amelia Aplin passed away whilst playing for Oxford United in a fixture against Fulham at the club’s training centre in Horspath on Saturday. Tributes have poured in for the teenager with family members, friends and supporters laying flowers and scarves in her memory.

No further details about the medical cause of her death were disclosed in the club’s statement.

3. Sofwan Awae (August 4, Thailand)

A football match in Thailand turned tragic when lightning struck the pitch during the FA Golok Cup at Santiphap Stadium in Sungai Golok. Sofwan Awae, a 24-year-old Yala United player, suffered fatal injuries in the incident.

According to police, more than nine people were injured, including a Malaysian player. Despite efforts by emergency medical teams, Awae could not be saved.

Thai footballer Sofwan Awae has tragically died after being struck by lightning during a football match. 12 other people were also injured in the incident. https://t.co/Z437AUDDBj

4. Quevin Castro (August 22, Portugal)

Portuguese-English midfielder Quevin Castro died after collapsing during a pre-season friendly between Real Sport Clube and Estrela da Amadora in Malveira, Portugal. The 25-year-old fell unconscious around 10 minutes into the match.

Medical teams from both clubs attempted to revive him, including with the help of a defibrillator. He was taken to hospital but could not be saved. Castro had previously represented West Bromwich Albion and several English clubs.

Quevin Castro has sadly passed away at the age of 25 after collapsing during a match in Portugal. Castro went down during the first half of Real Sport Clube’s pre-season friendly against top-flight side Estrela da Amadora at the Estadio das Seixas in Lisbon on Saturday. The Lisbon Football Association (AFL) later confirmed that Castro had passed away during the friendly. The former Sporting CP academy player joined West Brom in 2021, making his debut against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup. He went on to represent several clubs in England before returning to Portugal last summer. Real Sport Clube paid tribute to Castro, describing him as much more than a player and a hugely valued member of their football family. Thoughts are with Quevin Castro’s family, friends, teammates and everyone who knew him during this incredibly difficult time. 🙏

5. Jesus de Miguel (November 3, Spain)

The latest tragedy involved Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel, who suffered a serious collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Spanish second-division match on November 2.

The 30-year-old suffered a cardiorespiratory arrest and was taken to hospital after receiving medical attention on the pitch. His condition deteriorated, and Tenerife confirmed his death on November 3.

Spanish police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. No criminal liability has been established at this stage.