Valverde uses platform to help after Spanish train disaster

Real Madrid captain Valverde used his 22 million Instagram followers to aid victims of a Spanish train crash, sharing missing persons photos and donation information.

A collision between two trains on the high-speed line between Madrid and Andalusia on Wednesday killed nearly 70 people. The Spanish Football Federation postponed Copa del Rey matches in response.

Real Madrid captain Federico Valverde responded by posting a message of condolence on Instagram: "My deepest sympathy goes to the families of the victims of the tragic train accident in Toledo. All my love and support go to the wounded and those affected." He then pledged to use his platform to help: "As captain of Real Madrid, I make myself available to help in every possible way, and to assist in spreading information that can contribute to finding missing persons."

Valverde followed through, sharing photos of missing people, contact numbers for those affected, and locations where blood donations could be made with his nearly 22 million followers. Real Madrid's squad also observed a minute's silence before training on Wednesday.