Achraf Hakimi leads football tributes after deadly train crash in Spain

Morocco international Achraf Hakimi has joined Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) in expressing condolences following a deadly train accident in Spain’s Toledo province that reportedly killed at least 30 people and left around 80 others injured.

The Paris Saint-Germain defender shared a message on his Instagram story, offering sympathy to the families of those who died and wishing those injured a swift recovery after the fatal collision involving two high-speed trains.

“With a heavy heart over the terrible railway accident in Toledo,” Hakimi wrote in a message shared on social media.

“My most sincere condolences to the families of the victims and a speedy recovery to all the injured people,” he added.

The accident prompted an outpouring of sympathy from across Spanish football, with major clubs and the country’s football governing body expressing support for those affected by the tragedy.

Hakimi’s message placed him among the football figures who used their platforms to offer condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledge the suffering caused by the crash.

Barcelona and Real Madrid express condolences

Barcelona issued a statement expressing solidarity with the families and friends of those who died, while also offering its support to people injured in the accident.

“The club wishes to convey its support and solidarity to the families and friends of the victims and to wish all those injured a speedy recovery,” the Catalan club said.

Real Madrid also released an official statement in response to the tragedy, expressing condolences and support for those affected.

The Spanish club shared in the grief of the victims’ families and acknowledged the difficult circumstances surrounding the incident.

It also expressed support for the emergency services and those involved in the rescue operation.

The responses from Barcelona and Real Madrid reflected the wider sense of mourning across Spanish football following the deadly collision.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation also conveyed its solidarity with the victims and their loved ones, joining the clubs and players who had publicly expressed their sympathy.

Messages from prominent football figures and institutions highlighted the impact of the tragedy beyond the immediate area where the accident occurred.

RFEF postpones 24 Copa del Rey matches

The RFEF announced that 24 Copa del Rey matches scheduled for Wednesday, 28 October, would be postponed following the accident, with the decision taken as a mark of respect for those who died and those affected by the incident.

The postponed fixtures included matches involving five La Liga clubs: Real Betis, Valencia, Celta Vigo, Levante and Deportivo Alavés.

The federation’s decision added a significant sporting consequence to the tragedy, as the football calendar was adjusted in response to the loss of life and the impact on victims and their families.

The postponements followed the expressions of sympathy from clubs and players, as Spanish football continued to respond to the fatal accident.

The RFEF said replacement dates and kick-off times for the affected matches would be announced at a later stage.

Football community unites in mourning

Hakimi’s tribute, alongside statements from Barcelona, Real Madrid and the RFEF, formed part of the wave of condolences expressed following the collision in Toledo.

The messages focused on supporting the families of those who died, wishing injured people a full and speedy recovery, and recognising the work of those responding to the emergency.

With 24 Copa del Rey fixtures postponed, the incident also affected scheduled domestic football activities as the country dealt with the aftermath of the crash.

For Hakimi and the clubs that issued statements, the immediate priority was to express solidarity with everyone affected by the tragedy.

Further details concerning the rescheduled matches are expected to be provided by the federation at a later date.