Real Betis midfielder Pablo Fornals did not want to focus too much on the match after his goal against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. His thoughts were with the victims of the natural disaster in Spain, particularly in the region where Fornals comes from.
Fornals earned Betis a crucial point at San Mamés, but the result was secondary to the profound message he shared after the match.
The former Málaga, Villarreal, and West Ham United midfielder, who has six caps for the Spanish national team, spoke openly and emotionally about the devastating flooding affecting parts of Spain, particularly in the southeast where he has deep personal ties.
After scoring, Fornals raised a Betis shirt bearing the words ‘Fuerza Valencia’ (Stay Strong Valencia), a gesture that underscored his solidarity with those facing the aftermath of the natural disaster. Hailing from Castellón, a province in the Valencia region that has been among the hardest hit, Fornals’ connection to the unfolding tragedy was palpable. “My apologies if I become emotional,” he began, visibly moved. “Many of my friends, family, and acquaintances still live there and are now helping each other.”
Fornals expressed that this was not a time for celebration but for unity and resilience. “This was not a moment to celebrate football or a goal,” he said. “I wish all those affected by these severe events a lot of strength. We have no control over nature, but we do have control over how we can get through this together. I already heard that more rainfall is expected. During this difficult time, we must continue to support each other. I see this when I turn on the TV and see people in Castellón helping one another.” His words resonated beyond the pitch, serving as a reminder of the broader human experience shared during times of crisis.
The emotional gravity of the situation was further highlighted by former Spanish international Fernando Morientes, who recounted a tragic and deeply personal story. “My best friend is searching for a family member,” Morientes shared on Cadena COPE. “He was out dining with friends and fled to his car due to the flooding. From his car, he called his wife to say goodbye. Since then, there has been no news from him.” The former Real Madrid, AS Monaco, Liverpool, and Valencia forward’s account added a stark and sobering layer to the conversation, illustrating the far-reaching impacts of the disaster.
The flooding has affected countless lives, with homes destroyed, communities disrupted, and families displaced. Reports indicate that the region faces significant challenges in managing the aftermath, from infrastructural damage to the psychological toll on residents. Emergency response teams and volunteers have been working tirelessly to assist those in need, but the scale of the disaster has stretched resources thin. Stories like that of Morientes’ friend are sadly not isolated, as many families wait anxiously for news about loved ones.
Fornals’ message and Morientes’ poignant story remind the public that beyond the sports headlines, the real victories are found in solidarity and human compassion. The football world has seen an outpouring of support, with clubs and players expressing their condolences and pledging aid. Fornals’ show of empathy and connection to his community has struck a chord, reflecting the power of sport to unify and highlight shared resilience in the face of natural adversity.
As the affected regions brace for further rain and potential challenges, the words of players like Fornals carry weight, urging not just football fans but entire communities to come together. The rebuilding and recovery process will be long, but moments like these, where voices are raised in support and awareness, underscore the collective strength that defines these communities.
