Football is a sport that brings together millions of people around the world; However, it sometimes happens that the joy of the supporters gives way to deep sadness when a player collapses on the pitch and is unable to get up. Throughout the history of the sport, some players have lost their lives while practicing their passion: playing football.
The recent death of Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel is reminiscent of other tragedies that have occurred on football pitches across the globe.
Aged 30, De Miguel died on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, after suffering serious injuries during a Spanish second division match against FC Andorra. These injuries were caused by a violent collision with the opposing goalkeeper, Jesus Owono.
This tragedy places De Miguel's name on the list of players who lost their lives following events that occurred during a match. Here is the story of four other players whose deaths shook the world of football.
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5. Juan Izquierdo (2024)
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Juan Izquierdo was a central defender for Uruguayan club Nacional. He lost his life on August 27, 2024, at the age of 27, after suffering a sudden injury during the Copa Libertadores match against Brazilian Sao Paulo.
The incident occurred on August 22, 2024, during the round of 16 of the tournament. Izquierdo collapsed on the field after suffering a heart attack, which required him to be urgently hospitalized.
Despite doctors' efforts, his condition continued to deteriorate over the following days. After five days of treatment, he died of cardiac and respiratory arrest, a condition linked to an irregular heartbeat.
His death was a blow to his family and his club, especially as his second child was born just 10 days before the incident. Nacional described his death as an irreparable blow.
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4. Phil O’Donnell (2007)
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Phil O'Donnell was the captain of Scottish club Motherwell and an experienced midfielder, having also played for Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday. He died on 29 December 2007, aged 35, after collapsing on the pitch during a match against Dundee United.
The incident occurred in the final minutes of the game, with Motherwell leading 5-3. O'Donnell was about to be substituted when he suddenly collapsed, before the substitution could be made.
The medical team provided him with first aid on the pitch for around five minutes, before he was transported to an ambulance waiting outside the stadium. Unfortunately, he did not survive; the cause of death was identified as heart failure.
The loss of the captain has caused deep sadness throughout Scottish football, leading to the postponement of several matches. His coach, Mark McGhee, described him as a man who demonstrated great professionalism, integrity and honesty, both on and off the field.
3. Antonio Puerta (2007)
Antonio Puerta was one of those talented players who were beginning to shine in Spanish football. Under the colors of Sevilla FC, he was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2007; but, only a few months later, his life was suddenly cut short by a heart condition.
On 25 August 2007, during a La Liga match against Getafe, Puerta collapsed on the pitch following a cardiac incident. He received first aid before being taken to hospital, but his condition continued to deteriorate.
Three days later, he died at the age of 22 from multiple organ failure following prolonged cardiac arrest.
His death had a profound impact on players and supporters alike, particularly Sergio Ramos, who was one of his friends. Ramos wanted to honor Puerta's memory, first by wearing a jersey bearing a special tribute, then by getting a tattoo — a lasting testament to his memory of him.
2. Cristiano Junior (2004
The 25-year-old Brazilian player — who was then the highest-paid footballer in India — collided with the opposition goalkeeper while scoring a goal for his club, Dempo. The incident took place 12 minutes before the end of the 2004 Federation Cup final in Bangalore.
Junior, who had moved to India in the hope of earning enough money to build a house for his mother in Brazil, collapsed and lost consciousness. He immediately received help from his teammate, Nigerian striker Santi Martins.
Martins stayed by his side until an ambulance arrived, which took him to the hospital. Upon arrival, however, Junior was pronounced dead; he had suffered a heart attack which caused his heart to stop.
“The match continued. We played the last 12 minutes, received the trophy, and it was only when we arrived at the hospital that we learned of Cristiano's death. We were devastated and unable to hold back our emotions,” said Stanley Colaco, club captain at the time, in an interview with *Times of India* in 2021.
1. Marc-Vivien Foé (2003)
Marc-Vivien Foé was a Cameroon national team midfielder who also played for clubs such as Manchester City, West Ham United and Lyon. He died on June 26, 2003, at the age of 28; an event which remains one of the most memorable and moving moments in the history of international football.
The tragedy occurred during a FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final match between Cameroon and Colombia in Lyon, France. Foé suddenly collapsed on the lawn, suffering from a heart attack.
Medical teams quickly intervened to help him, attempting to resuscitate him with respiratory assistance and the administration of oxygen. Efforts to restore his heartbeat continued for approximately 45 minutes, but were unsuccessful. He was pronounced dead shortly after.
Foé's death led to changes in the screening of players for cardiac conditions, as well as in the preparation of teams for medical emergencies on the field. Training in first aid procedures – particularly cardiopulmonary resuscitation – and the use of defibrillators have taken on vital importance in the world of football.
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