Soon after news broke that a plane carrying Brazilian football club  Chapecoense had crashed in Colombia, the football world took to social media to express its grief and solidarity.

A first division football club in Brazil, the Chapecoense team was travelling to Colombia to take on Atletico Nacional in a two-legged regional final. 

English Premier League leaders Chelsea wrote: “Our thoughts are with everyone at @ChapecoenseReal, their families and all those affected by the tragedy in Colombia.”

Arsenal , another world-famous Premier League club, said simply: “Thinking of you,  @ChapecoenseReal”.

Top German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen tweeted in Portuguese: “In football there are no borders. We are with you  @ChapecoenseReal”.

Spain’s Sevilla said: “The #SevillaFC shows its condolences for the plane crash in which traveled the @ChapecoenseReal. Hard times for football.”

Turkey’s huge Galatasaray club wrote: “Our prayers are with you.. #prayforchapecoense @ChapecoenseReal”.

Portuguese giants Benfica tweeted: “Benfica is with everyone involved in the crash @ChapecoenseReal, families and supporters. #ForçaChape!”

Top Brazilian team Corinthians said of their countrymen: “All clubs unite and pray for the people’s lives. It all works out! Strength,  @ChapecoenseReal   #ForçaChape

Colombia’s Millonarios expressed solidarity and prayers: “Our prayers are with all the passengers and crew. Much strength and solidarity at this difficult time. @ChapecoenseReal”

As did Mexico’s Seleccion Nacional : “O ur prayers are with you, @ChapecoenseReal… Much strength! #Chapecoense”

Spain’s Barcelona : “All our support and solidarity with the victims and the families affected by the tragedy of the @ChapecoenseReal in Colombia”

Invidividual football stars also reached out. 

Brazil’s Alexandre Pato said: “God please help the people who were on that flight! Too hard!”

Spain’s Iker Casillas : “My condolences for the plane crash in which traveled the @ChapecoenseReal. Now hard for the soccer! Lots of encouragement and strength!” 

Lucas Silva , of Real Madrid: “Very sad news of the accident with the @ChapecoenseReal team. My prayers and positive thoughts with the passengers and their families.”

Michy Batshuayi , a Belgian footballer with Chelsea: “Wow… Prayer for  @ChapecoenseReal… God bless you all”

Wayne Rooney , Manchester United captain and all-time leading goalscorer for England: “Sad news to wake up to today. Thoughts are with  @ChapecoenseReal and their family and friends.”