Tragic losses: over 220 lives lost, nearly 37,000 people rescued, and 78 municipalities affected (75 in Valencia, two in Castilla-La Mancha, and one in Andalucía). This latest tragedy has touched the hearts of all Spaniards. Whether they had loved ones directly impacted or lived hundreds of miles away, people across the country united to help affected communities begin the long journey back to normality, though it will take much longer to fully recover the life they once knew.

Mud and debris took over the streets and many football pitches in the province of Valencia, leaving historic images of resilience. One such moment was captured as Osasuna coach Vicente Moreno wielded a shovel in Massanassa, working alongside others to clear the streets and homes. Rubén Baraja and Julián Calero were also seen as volunteers, helping organise clothing and food for distribution to those in need. These acts, along with the support from other coaches, players, referees, and team executives, inspired the Coaches Committee, led by David Gutiérrez, to honour all coaches affected by the recent storms. This tribute was part of the ‘XI Ramón Cobo Awards’, with attendance from General Secretary Álvaro de Miguel; national football team managers Luis de la Fuente and Montse Tomé; and national futsal team managers Jesús Velasco and Clàudia Pons.

A group of coaches representing those affected attended, though not all could make it. Those present included Pepe Pla (Discóbolo La Torre), Javi Pons (CD Utiel), Amel Dahmani (CF E1 Paiporta), Álvaro Ortí (Paiporta CF), Mario Méndez (Racing d’Algemesí CF), Rubén Violero (Algemesí CF), Edgar Brisa and Anderson Cadrazco (UD Balompié Alfafar), Óscar Banacloy (FBCD Catarroja), Santiago Iván Expósito (Massanassa), and Enzo Aliaga (CD Bugarra). Speaking on behalf of those present and those unable to attend, Pepe Pla remarked, “When you see the situation in person, it’s overwhelming. I’m coaching a women’s football team, and the future is uncertain. Right now, getting the ball rolling again is secondary. Being with friends and family who have lost loved ones, clearing water and mud – right now, our biggest match and challenge is helping the communities in need, getting them back on their feet.”

After a video was shown with messages of support from all the Valencian coaches in the Primera and Segunda Divisions, as well as professional coaches in the region, the national managers offered their words of encouragement:

Luis de la Fuente:

“I was left speechless seeing the images of this tragedy. We can only imagine their situation. Our support will always be with them; it’s our duty to be there for the community and football. We need to help bring joy back to the children, as we’ve seen them playing in the mud-filled streets. We must take steps to return to normal, although the pain is something we cannot undo.”

Montse Tomé:

“Sport is about fighting, hard work, values, and resilience – coming through tough times. In such a severe situation, seeing how they’ve lived this so closely really moves you. Football takes a backseat here and becomes a means to help us move forward. Seeing children playing in the mud, with their coaches – those role models guiding them forward – it gives strength. We’re standing with them, helping Valencia and the affected communities, because they need our support, and we must be there.”

Jesús Velasco:

“Being a coach is all about motivation. We must motivate, impart values, and inspire hope. Right now, that’s exactly what we need to do – to keep doing what we love and support in every way we can.”

Clàudia Pons:

“My strength and support go out to everyone in Valencia. The images are heart-wrenching. None of us can fully grasp what it’s like to be there. They’re showing us the essence of teamwork, representing the world of sport, which in turn fosters hope. My congratulations to those honoured today. Sending strength and may we soon return to normality.”

Álvaro de Miguel, RFEF’s General Secretary, welcomed the coaches from the hardest-hit areas, as well as those receiving the Ramón Cobo award. “It’s moving to see people finding strength where none seems to exist, to help, to support neighbours and countrymen. We’ve had the chance to spend time with them, and it’s telling that what they ask for most is help in rebuilding football pitches. The RFEF is here to support the children, the coaches, the referees – so they can return to their roles in football and continue with the development process that is the foundation of grassroots and youth football,” Álvaro said. He commended the Coaches Committee for ensuring this event was a charitable one, adding, “We cannot ignore the situation these communities are facing.”

Álvaro also highlighted the key role of coaches, calling them “pivotal figures in football who shape people towards success and serve as examples of how to compete and sometimes how to win.” He reflected on the global reputation of Spanish coaches, not only within Spain but also internationally. “Through the training and nurturing of talent, you build a team of people, elements that only you can foster in your role. It’s not just about coaching titles, but about being good people, coaches with strong values. You are a very supportive group.”

David Gutiérrez shared his personal experience during the storm, when he couldn’t contact his children for nearly 15 hours: “Thankfully, they were okay, but I can’t stop thinking about the people, friends, and neighbours facing hardship after losing everything. You can replace a car or a house, but not a life. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to everyone who has lost a loved one. While we can’t control what comes our way, we can control our response, and the Valencian community has shown a lesson in unity and solidarity. Like a football team welcoming a new member without concern for religion, politics, or race, if we work together, we can achieve anything. For the coaches here today, I urge you to persevere. The situation is challenging, but things will improve, and the RFEF will be here to support you, not just morally, but with resources. The children, our community, and football need you. Thank you to all the volunteers who are helping from the heart. Long live Valencia!”

Others in attendance included Salvador Gomar, president of the Federació de Futbol de la Comunitat Valenciana; Pablo Murillo, president of the Football Federation of Castilla-La Mancha; and Rafael Louzán, president of the Galician Football Federation.

Valencian professional coaches from the Primera and Segunda Divisions also sent messages to those hardest hit:

Rubén Baraja (Valencia CF): “Together, we’ll overcome this.”

“To all the coaches in youth and training programmes, and to everyone who has endured this tragedy, I send my deepest support and strength. We will get through this, and I send you all my energy as we move forward, knowing that we will come out stronger.”

Julián Calero (Levante UD): “We’ll be able to rebuild.”

“I extend all my solidarity and support to all coaches, especially those in grassroots football, as I know there has been so much damage from the floods. We empathise with your struggles, sending all the strength and support in the world – everything will return to normal, and we will rebuild.”

Marcelino García Toral (Villarreal CF): “With passion, dedication, and commitment, we’ll overcome this.

“I send all my encouragement and support. The storm has left us all shaken at a challenging time. Unfortunately, we’re faced with great obstacles to overcome, but with our passion, commitment, and dedication to this sport we love, we can prevail. Overcoming challenges helps us grow, and with that same drive and ambition, we move forward. Sending strength and hope, knowing that passion in our work will help us form young players and well-rounded individuals.”

Pepe Bordalás (Getafe CF): “It’s a tough blow, but in football and life, we always rise.”

“From here, all my support and encouragement to everyone affected by the floods, especially coaches and grassroots teams facing the aftermath of this terrible event that has shocked the entire country. Sending strength – we know this is a tough blow, but I also know that in both football and life, we always come back . We will come back stronger with everyone’s support and the same unwavering passion.”

Luis García Plaza (Deportivo Alavés): “You have what it takes to move forward, and we’ll help in every way.”

“As an adopted Alicantino, I want to send a message of support to the whole football community, especially those in Valencia and its coaches. It’s a very challenging time, but I know you have what it takes to move forward. We’ll help in every way possible. We will come back stronger.”

José Luis Bravo (Valencia CF Femenino): “We’re showing the strength and unity of our community.”

“The family that is Valencia football club wants to send everyone great strength in the wake of the events caused by the storms. We know this has been a very tough blow for the entire Valencian Community, but we’re seeing how the community and the people of Valencia are responding with immense courage and resilience. We want to encourage everyone to keep working just as they have been, because we are doing an amazing job, upholding values that show we are a united and strong community. We also want to send encouragement to everyone in the football community, especially grassroots football, who have suffered so much due to this disaster. On behalf of all Valencia supporters and the entire football community, we are sending strength to help us all push forward, and we will come out of this with even greater resolve.”

Roger Lamesa (Levante UD Femenino): “We’ll keep helping however we can.”

“Strength to everyone affected by the floods, to the coaches in grassroots football who do such good work for our young ones and for these players growing up in our sport. Much strength to all of you—we’ll keep helping however we can, and together we’ll come back stronger.”

Paco López (Cádiz CF): “Together, we’ll overcome this.”

“I want to give all my support and strength to everyone affected in Valencia, especially to the grassroots coaches. Stay strong—let’s lift our spirits, and together we’ll overcome this, emerging even stronger.”

Fran Escribá (Granada CF): “We’ll overcome this and come back stronger.”

“Sending my support to all my colleagues in the Valencia teams enduring this terrible disaster. Here in Granada, both the city and the club are organising donations and campaigns to lend a hand, just as they are in other parts of Spain. We are here for whatever you need. We’ll overcome this and come back stronger.”

Sergio Pellicer (Málaga CF): “We are a resilient people.”

“My deepest support and strength to everyone in Valencia. We know we are a resilient, determined people who never give up. In the face of this tragedy, I want to support the grassroots coaches who’ve been impacted. As a Valencian myself, I know that with everyone’s help, we’ve shown we’re a united people, and we’ll come back even stronger. Long live Valencia!”

Dani Ponz (CD Eldense): “Together, we’ll come back stronger.”

“A big hug to everyone; these are really difficult times. Let’s keep our spirits up on a personal level and help the young ones under our care get back to their routines and find joy in their activities. As coaches, we must adapt to the circumstances, prepare our teams in the best way possible, and together, we’ll come back much stronger.”