Ruiz Pays Tribute to De Miguel in Champions League
The PSG midfielder honored the late CD Tenerife striker with a gesture after scoring against Villarreal.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Soccer
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored in the 17th minute of a Champions League match against Villarreal and paid tribute to Jesus de Miguel, the CD Tenerife striker who died at age 30. Ruiz displayed the number nine, the shirt worn by De Miguel, and pointed to the sky after scoring.
Why it matters
De Miguel died after suffering a cardiac arrest following a heavy on-pitch collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Segunda Division match on Monday. His death has prompted tributes from players across European football.
PSG scored four goals in eight minutes during the Villarreal match, with Ruiz's goal coming in the 17th minute. Joao Neves opened the scoring in the ninth minute.
The players
Fabian Ruiz
Fabian Ruiz is a Spanish international midfielder for Paris Saint-Germain.
Jesus de Miguel
Jesus de Miguel was a striker for CD Tenerife who died at age 30 after a cardiac arrest.
CD Tenerife
CD Tenerife is a Spanish football club competing in the Segunda Division.
The details
Jesus de Miguel suffered a cardiac arrest triggered by a heavy collision with goalkeeper Jesus Owono during a Monday Segunda Division fixture and died Tuesday morning. CD Tenerife announced his death in a statement, and Ruiz later honored him during PSG's Champions League win.
Timeline
Monday: De Miguel suffers the collision during a Segunda Division match.
Tuesday morning: De Miguel dies.
Tuesday night: PSG plays Villarreal and Ruiz pays tribute with his goal.
Season Trajectory
Ruiz's tribute reflects a recurring pattern in European football, where players mark the deaths of peers with on-field gestures during competitive fixtures. The gesture arrived during a Champions League night that also showcased PSG's four-goal burst against Villarreal.
Fans following Champions League fixtures can track how clubs honor players who die during the season. De Miguel's death also underscores the medical risks of heavy collisions in professional matches.
The takeaway
Moments like Ruiz's tribute show how football communities respond to loss within the rhythm of competition. Readers can follow how clubs and players recognize colleagues who die during their careers.
Further reading
Explore more Soccer coverage for context on the Champions League and European club football.
