A pandemic that has forced airplanes to remain grounded and locked down major world economies, the novel coronavirus has completely turned the tide against modernized beings of 21st century. The hapless situation has further catalysed panic in the mind of thousands, especially as the number of deaths continue to ramp up. However, even during such wayward times, some great names and clubs in the world of football have come forward to help fight the coronavirus crisis.

The Collaboration

Often quoted as galaxies apart, despite being claustrophobically close, the two sides of Manchester — City and United — have historically joined forces to fight the coronavirus. The Premier League sides have pledged a combined €111,000 million to help those most vulnerable to the new virus. The donations made by both the clubs to Trussell Trust, will fund food banks in Greater Manchester.

Fighting ‘Blues’

Another Premier League side Chelsea also nicknamed as Blues, have informed that they have made the Millennium Hotel at their home ground — Stamford Bridge — available to the National Health Service (NHS). The club said, the facility will be used to accommodate the NHS staff, as they continue to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

Gunners to the Rescue

Taking a major blow after their manager Mikel Arteta tested positive for coronavirus, Arsenal have committed a €111,000 million donation to fight the virus. The club has stated that they will also make all ‘Arsenal in the Community’ cars available to transport NHS mental health workers carrying medical and emergency kits.

The Pledge

One way or the other, almost everyone has realised the importance of medical staff and services in the current circumstances. And therefore, Brighton and Bournemouth have pledged 1,000 free tickets to NHS workers, after the resumption of football.

Taking the Blow

The ripples of coronavirus have adversely battered the growth prospects worldwide. And absorbing the blow, Bundesliga players and directors at Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund have agreed to take temporary pay cuts. The German clubs informed that their directive is aimed at helping other employees financially during the coronavirus crisis.

Second Division, No Worries

Spanish second division club Almeria FC has donated €1.2m in the face of ugly coronavirus vows. The club initially said that it would help with €500k, but later added another €700k to the amount. The new amount, however, has been bifurcated and of the total: €300k will be spent on food, €200k will be spent on health workers, €100k on those who have lost their jobs, and the remaining €100k on the volunteers who are helping in such difficult times.

The National Team

The German National team has ramped up its endeavour and donated a combined €2.5m to organisations battling the coronavirus. The list of players that have come forward includes Manuel Neuer, Ilkay Gündogan, Leon Goretzka, Joshua Kimmich, Matthias Ginter and Lukas Klostermann.

Uniting Like Champions

The four German teams from Bundesliga — Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig — which made it to this season’s UEFA Champions League, have created a €20 million solidarity fund in order to deal with the virus. The fund, as reported, has been created courtesy of the clubs shedding their DFL media revenue for this season, which would have amounted to €12.5 million. Meanwhile, the remaining €7.5 million has been enrolled by the clubs amongst themselves.

While clubs have been supportive of the idea, Individual footballers, managers and agents have also made the move to restore peace.

Pep Guardiola

Manchester City Manager Guardiola, has donated €1 million to a campaign initiated by the Angel Soler Daniel Foundation and Medical College of Barcelona. His money would be used “for the purchase of medical equipment and equipment that is currently lacking in health centres in Catalonia.”

Toby Alderweireld

Tottenham defender Alderweireld has decided to do his bit in the middle of the ongoing pandemic, and that too in some unique style. The player has affirmed that he will donate dozens of tabs to hospitals, which will help sick people to stay connected with their families and friends.

David De Gea

Often seen guarding his posts, the Manchester United and Spain goalkeeper has readily decided to guard his nation from the chaotic coronavirus. The formidable keeper has donated €300,000 to a local authority in Madrid, Spain. The money will be used to help provide medical equipment and support those in need.

Robert Lewandowski

The Bayern Munich striker alongside his wife Anna have donated 1million to fight the coronavirus. “Today we’re all playing on the same team. We need to be strong in this fight. If we can help someone, let’s do it. The situation affects all of us so we ask you to follow instructions and listen to those who know best,” the German said.

Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka

Lewandowski’s teammates Kimmich and Goretzka have also launched their campaign against coronavirus called #WeKickCorona. The duo affirmed that they will donate €1 million between them and the total amount would be distributed to various charities across Germany. They have already raised € 2.5million using their campaign. The initiative has been supported by Bundesliga players including Mats Hummels, Jonas Hector, Lukas Klostermann, Sebastian Rode, Julian Brandt and Nadiem Amiri.

Marco Reus

Borussia Dortmund captain Reus and his wife Scarlett have donated €500,000 to fight the difficult times. The skipper informed, he would like to help the people and smaller business of his hometown, as a part of the #HelpYourHometown initiative.

Kylian Mbappé

A live wire on the field, Paris Saint-Germain and France star Mbappé has come forward and made a huge donation to the Paris-based charity Abbe Pierre Foundation. “His generosity will make it possible in particular to implement first aid actions: access to water and hygiene for people in very precarious situations, access to food and shelter for homeless people,” statement from the charity stated.

Lionel Messi

A true champion in every sense, Barcelona Captain Lionel Messi has contributed €1 million to fight the coronavirus crisis. The money has been donated to Barcelona’s Hospital Clinic. Apart from the offering, the player has also taken a wage cut, which will help fight the economic impact of the virus.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Jorge Mendes

Both Ronaldo and his agent Mendes have together contributed €1 million to hospitals in Portugal. The money would be used to run three intensive care units and treat those suffering from coronavirus. On the other hand, Ronaldo has also taken wage deferrals to catalyse the pace of economic recovery.

Streaming Coronavirus Vows

Known by the username Castro1021 on Twitter, the 2020 UNO Champion decided to kick coronavirus in face by playing FIFA and raising money to fight the epidemic. The streamer played game on Twitch for 28 continuous hours, and was able to raise more than $200,000 for the relief efforts.