Athletes, team owners get put money and muscle behind coronavirus fight

Many athletes and team owners are joining in the fight against COVID-19.

Rafael Nadal

ERIC FEFERBERG/AFP/Getty Images

Rafael Nadal called on Spanish athletes to help raise 11 million euros ($12.07 million) to help fight the coronavirus pandemic. Nadal said he spoke with NBA star Pau Gasol about what they could do to help and came up with the initiative to support the Red Cross in procuring protective equipment and infrastructure to assist vulnerable families in Spain affected by the virus. Lionel Messi and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had each donated one million euros ($1.08 million) to help clinics and medical centres fight the outbreak while Cristiano Ronaldo donated lifesaving equipment to Portuguese hospitals.