Barcelona captain Raphinha paid an emotional tribute to the late Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel after his two-goal performance helped the Catalan side to a 3-0 Champions League victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday. Rather than dwelling on the result, the Brazilian forward dedicated the win to De Miguel’s family and admitted he was too shaken by the player’s death to discuss football.
Speaking after the match, Raphinha offered a heartfelt message of condolence. He explained that while he wanted to dedicate the victory to the supporters, his thoughts were with the family of the 30-year-old forward. He said he wanted to send strength to De Miguel’s loved ones and wished him to rest in peace, adding that such tragedies can happen to anyone and that the news had left him deeply shocked and saddened.
The Barcelona captain, who was named man of the match after his brace at the Spotify Camp Nou, said the news had affected him from the moment he woke up. His celebrations after scoring were notably subdued as he continued to reflect on the death of a fellow professional. He noted that players go out to play a match knowing the same thing could happen to them, and reiterated that he and the club wanted to send strength to the bereaved family.
A Tragedy on the Pitch
De Miguel died on Tuesday morning at a hospital in Santa Cruz de Tenerife after suffering cardiac arrest following a heavy collision during Tenerife’s Segunda División fixture against FC Andorra on Monday evening. The incident occurred in stoppage time with the score level at 2-2, when Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono rushed out of his area to clear a long ball but struck De Miguel in the chest with his knee.
Owono was subsequently shown a red card, and the match was abandoned. De Miguel received medical attention on the pitch and was resuscitated after suffering cardiac arrest before being rushed to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care. His condition later deteriorated.
Football Unites in Mourning
Before Barcelona’s match, a minute’s silence was observed in De Miguel’s memory, while the Champions League anthem was not played. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick also expressed his condolences, saying the news had affected the squad. Spanish football authorities postponed some domestic fixtures as a mark of respect, while tributes continued across European football. Tenerife and De Miguel’s family have appealed for privacy during this difficult period.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over the football world, with Raphinha’s dignified response underscoring the sense of loss felt across the sport. His decision to set aside personal triumph in favour of honouring a fallen colleague reflected the solidarity that has characterised the widespread reaction to De Miguel’s death.
