WHAT HAPPENED?
Parts of southern Spain have been devastated with ‘more than one year’s worth of rain’ in just eight hours, with Valencia among the worst-hit cities, leading to mass deaths and destruction. The situation has led to many matches being called off, with Real Madrid’s game at Valencia this weekend under threat, prompting messages of love, prayer and support from a number of star players.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
At least 95 people have died across the south-east of Spain, and an unconfirmed number of people are thought to be missing. Valencia seems to be the worst hit city, with images showing piled up vehicles and devastated neighbourhoods, and Spain’s transport minister saying the high-speed line between the city and Madrid is significantly damaged.
FOOTBALL PAYS TRIBUTE
Many top stars across Spain shared their love and prayers on social media to everyone affected by the floods, with the likes of Luka Modric and Thibaut Courtois joining Bellingham and Vini Jr in tribute. Bellingham posted on Instagram saying: “My deepest condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones due to the floods in Valencia. Sending lots of love and strength! ❤️❤️❤️”
Mucho ánimo a todos! 🙏🏿 https://t.co/K8qXHvTvHF
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr)
October 30, 2024
Mucho ánimo y mucha fuerza para toda la gente de Valencia y de las otras provincias afectadas por el temporal. 🙏🏼
— Luka Modrić (@lukamodric10)
October 30, 2024
Along with the players, clubs such as Barcelona held minutes of silence prior to the training sessions and joined the tributes on social media.
At today’s training session the squad observed a minute’s silence for the victims of the floods affecting the areas of Valencia, Albacete and Andalusia. pic.twitter.com/HjBBD96xwu
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona)
October 30, 2024
WHAT NEXT FOR SPANISH FOOTBALL?
More matches are being called off as the scale of the floods is recognised and rescue efforts continue, with warnings in place for areas across Catalonia and northern Spain. While Spanish authorities are expecting the storms to calm down in the coming hours in the affected areas, coastal regions will remain under a weather alert.