- Mina Bonino, Argentine journalist and wife of Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde, addressed the tragic death of Tenerife footballer Jesús de Miguel and the severe online backlash directed at Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
- Bonino urged the public and football community to end the relentless social media harassment against Jesús Owono following the fatal on-pitch collision.
- She highlighted the broader mental health risks of online abuse, noting that society has the collective power and responsibility to prevent further tragedies.
Mina Bonino Pleads for Restraint Following Fatal Match Incident
Argentine sports journalist Mina Bonino, the wife of Real Madrid midfielder Fede Valverde, has issued an emotional plea across social media regarding the death of CD Tenerife footballer Jesús de Miguel and the intense digital hostility currently aimed at FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono. Following a fatal collision during a fixture in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Owono became the target of severe criticism across online platforms.
Addressing her audience of over one million followers on Instagram, Bonino expressed deep sympathy for the bereaved family while urging the public to stop treating the goalkeeper as a criminal. Reaching out to her platform, she wrote: “I think it is necessary to stop. What happened in Santa Cruz de Tenerife in the match was a tragedy, I don’t even want to think about the boy’s family (Jesús de Miguel), his daughter, his parents, his wife. There is no comfort or words for this moment. Unfortunately, his death could not be prevented, but as a society, we can be responsible for preventing another tragedy.”
Addressing the Severe Backlash Against Jesús Owono
Highlighting the distinction between a grave sporting error and intentional harm, Bonino warned of the devastating psychological impact that mass online condemnation could have on Jesús Owono. She urged critics to realize that the Andorra shot-stopper is already carrying an immense emotional burden from the accidental tragedy.
Defending the goalkeeper from vitriolic labels, Bonino stated: “the goalkeeper (Jesús Owono) will carry his own cross for life for having made a mistake. A reckless challenge that cost his teammate his life and may possibly ruin his as well, but he is not a murderer. We are not the ones to judge a person who had no intention of killing. He will serve his sanction and bear a social condemnation that will affect him for life, but we are still in time to stop and prevent another death”
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Criticism of Toxic Social Media Culture and Mental Health Impacts
The media figure expanded her message into a wider critique of modern digital discourse, reflecting on how social channels have transformed into venues for unyielding judgment. She emphasized the danger of collective online harassment and the recurring cycle of public regret after it leads to irreversible psychological harm.
Bonino stressed the urgent need for empathy and accountability, remarking: “we live in a society full of hatred; social media, instead of being a window to meet people, has become the worst place in the world, where everyone is a judge who condemns you forever. Then we cry when someone dies by suicide, but it is in our hands to be able to change this.”
Reiterating her condolences to the family of Jesús de Miguel while reinforcing her appeal to halt the vitriol directed at Jesús Owono, Bonino concluded her statement by writing: “I wish none of this had happened. I can’t stop thinking about that family who lost a son, a brother, a father. Everything is very sad and I hope they find comfort, but it is necessary to stop now,”
Why This Matters
The tragedy in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and its subsequent fallout bring renewed scrutiny to the toxic nature of public reactions following accidental sporting disasters. When on-field collisions result in catastrophic injury or loss of life, athletes involved frequently encounter severe online vitriol that extends far beyond sporting disciplinary measures. Mina Bonino’s public intervention spotlights the urgent necessity for both sports governing bodies and online platforms to address targeted digital harassment, preserve player mental health, and curb the unchecked escalation of social media mob mentality in moments of profound grief.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mina Bonino?
Mina Bonino is an Argentine sports journalist and social media figure. She is also the wife of Uruguayan footballer Federico “Fede” Valverde, who plays for La Liga club Real Madrid.
What prompted Mina Bonino’s public statement?
Bonino spoke out in response to the tragic death of Tenerife player Jesús de Miguel following a match collision in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as the widespread wave of social media harassment and vitriol subsequently directed at Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono.
What core message did Bonino share regarding Jesús Owono?
Bonino stressed that while Jesús Owono made a reckless challenge and will serve any formal sanction alongside an enduring personal burden, he did not act with intent to kill. She urged the public to cease the aggressive online condemnation to protect mental health and prevent another tragedy.
