Spain coach De la Fuente visits wildfire evacuees amid national emergency
Luis de la Fuente urges national solidarity as Spain declares emergency over wildfires affecting Madrid and Valencia
Spain’s national football coach Luis de la Fuente has visited evacuees displaced by wildfires in the Madrid region, seeking to bolster morale among residents and emergency personnel. The visit comes as the country grapples with a national emergency declared over the blazes, which have forced approximately 75,000 people to leave their homes across the Madrid and Valencia regions.
De la Fuente met with nearly 300 displaced residents at the Marazuela sports complex in Las Rozas, located west of the Spanish capital. He also spoke with volunteers and emergency staff, emphasising the collective responsibility to support those affected. Speaking to Spanish broadcaster TVE, he described the visit as an effort to "lift their spirits" during what he termed "tragic moments."
The coach highlighted the unity required in such crises, drawing a parallel to the solidarity observed during international sporting events. He stated that all evacuees and those confined to their homes have the support of the entire country, comparing this national backing to the support shown when the national team plays football.
"Some evacuated families are also staying at the Spanish football federation's training facilities in Las Rozas," the report noted. De la Fuente expressed pride in being present with the community, stating that such moments "make us more human" and reinforce the obligation to help one another.
The wildfires have caused significant disruption, with over 19,000 residents initially evacuated from areas west of Madrid after two major fires merged into a single blaze. The emergency response is occurring against a backdrop of severe weather conditions across Europe, with neighbouring France also managing concurrent emergencies that have displaced 300,000 people.
De la Fuente’s visit follows Spain’s recent triumph at the 2026 World Cup, where he led La Roja to their second title. The team defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time in the final on July 19 in New Jersey, completing a double that includes their Euro 2024 victory. The coach’s engagement with the crisis highlights the intersection of national sporting success and domestic governance challenges.
