From Okwaraji to De Miguel: 10 footballers who died during matches

The death of Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel following a collision during a Spanish second-division match has renewed attention on footballers who have lost their lives while playing the game.

De Miguel died in hospital on Tuesday after suffering cardiac arrest following a collision with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Tenerife’s match against FC Andorra.

The incident occurred in stoppage time with the score level at 2-2. Owono rushed out of his area to clear a long ball but struck De Miguel in the chest with his knee.

The goalkeeper was shown a red card, while the match was abandoned. De Miguel received emergency treatment on the pitch and was resuscitated before being taken to hospital, where his condition later deteriorated.

Over the years, several footballers have suffered fatal medical emergencies or injuries during matches.

While some died at the stadium, others passed away in hospital despite efforts to save their lives.

From Nigerian international Samuel Okwaraji to Cameroonian midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé, PUNCH Online on Wednesday takes a look at 10 footballers whose deaths shocked the sporting world.

1. Samuel Okwaraji (Nigeria, 1989)

Samuel Okwaraji remains one of the most remembered Nigerian footballers to have died while representing his country.

The midfielder collapsed during Nigeria’s 1990 World Cup qualifying match against Angola at the National Stadium in Lagos on August 12, 1989.

He was rushed for medical attention but could not be revived. He was 25.

His death was attributed to heart failure and remains one of the most painful moments in Nigerian football history.

2. Marc-Vivien Foé (Cameroon, 2003)

Cameroonian midfielder Marc-Vivien Foé died after collapsing during his country’s Confederations Cup semi-final against Colombia in France on June 26, 2003.

The 28-year-old fell to the ground in the second half of the match, prompting immediate medical attention.

Despite efforts to revive him, Foé died, leaving the football world in mourning.

His death shocked the international football community and prompted renewed discussions about cardiac screening for professional players.

3. Miklós Fehér (Hungary, 2004)

Hungarian striker Miklós Fehér died after collapsing during Benfica’s league match against Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal on January 25, 2004.

The 24-year-old had been playing when he suddenly fell to the ground.

Medical personnel rushed to his aid, but he suffered cardiac arrest and could not be saved.

His death was broadcast on television and became one of the most distressing moments in Portuguese football.

4. Antonio Puerta (Spain, 2007)

Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta collapsed during a Spanish league match against Getafe on August 25, 2007.

The 22-year-old initially regained consciousness and was able to leave the pitch with assistance.

However, he suffered further cardiac complications and died in hospital three days later.

His death deeply affected Spanish football, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players and supporters.

• Raphinha mourns late Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel
• Anambra football tourney winners get N2m
• De Miguel’s death shocking — Mourinho

5. Endurance Idahor (Nigeria, 2010)

Nigerian striker Endurance Idahor died after collapsing during a Sudanese league match between Al-Merrikh and Al-Amal on March 6, 2010.

The 25-year-old reportedly fell during the game and was taken for medical attention.

Despite efforts to save him, he died, leaving Nigerian football fans and his teammates in shock.
6. Piermario Morosini (Italy, 2012)

Italian midfielder Piermario Morosini died after collapsing during a Serie B match between Livorno and Pescara on April 14, 2012.

The 25-year-old suffered a cardiac emergency during the encounter and received emergency treatment on the pitch.

He was subsequently taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

His death prompted renewed scrutiny of emergency medical arrangements at football stadiums.
7. Peter Biaksangzuala (India, 2014)

Indian footballer Peter Biaksangzuala died after suffering a serious spinal injury while celebrating a goal in October 2014.

The 23-year-old midfielder attempted a backflip after scoring for Bethlehem Vengthlang in a league match but landed awkwardly.

He was taken to hospital and later died from his injuries.

His death led to tributes from the Indian football community.
8. Patrick Ekeng (Cameroon, 2016)

Cameroonian midfielder Patrick Ekeng died after collapsing during a Romanian league match between Dinamo Bucharest and Viitorul Constanța on May 6, 2016.

The 26-year-old fell to the ground shortly after coming on as a substitute.

He was rushed to hospital but could not be revived.

His death raised concerns about the availability and use of emergency medical equipment during football matches.
9. Raphael Dwamena (Ghana, 2023)

Ghanaian striker Raphael Dwamena died after collapsing during an Albanian league match between Egnatia and Partizani on November 11, 2023.

The 28-year-old suffered a cardiac emergency during the match and could not be saved.

Dwamena had previously been diagnosed with a heart condition and had undergone medical procedures related to it.

His death renewed concerns about the risks of cardiac conditions among professional footballers.
10. Jesús de Miguel (Spain, 2026)

Spanish striker Jesús de Miguel became the latest footballer to die following a medical emergency during a competitive match.

The 30-year-old suffered cardiac arrest after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during Tenerife’s Segunda División encounter on Monday.

The incident occurred in stoppage time with the score tied at 2-2.

Owono rushed out of his area to clear a long ball but struck De Miguel in the chest with his knee. The goalkeeper was shown a red card, and the match was abandoned.

De Miguel received emergency treatment on the pitch and was resuscitated before being taken to hospital, where he was admitted to intensive care.

His condition later deteriorated, and he died on Tuesday morning in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The deaths of these players have left lasting memories among football fans and highlighted the importance of prompt medical intervention and emergency preparedness in the sport