MLS: Soccer world mourns loss.
The soccer world was rocked by the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna on Sunday in a helicopter crash in Southern California.
Although Bryant forged his legacy during his 20-year basketball career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was a passionate fan of soccer.
He grew up cheering for A.C. Milan after being introduced to the sport while his father played basketball in Italy. Bryant traveled often to attend Major League Soccer games as well as matches in Europe. He recently became a spokesperson for the partnership between energy drink company BodyArmor and MLS, which Bryant helped announce during MLS media day in Los Angeles earlier this month.
Seven additional people, including the pilot, were on the helicopter’s flight manifest but will not be identified until the coroner’s report is released and family members are notified, according Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who held a news conference Sunday. Villanueva confirmed there were no survivors of the crash.
The group was en route to Gianna’s travel basketball game when the helicopter crashed, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
During the course of his career, Bryant was a five-time NBA champion as well as an 18-time NBA All-Star and earned the MVP award in 2008. Considered one of the greatest to ever play the sport, he was the first guard to play at least 20 seasons in the league. Lakers forward LeBron James passed Bryant for third place on the NBA all-time scoring list the night before his death.
As players, coaches and fans in the NBA mourned Bryant’s loss, their peers in the global soccer community paid tribute to Bryant. Stars from the United States national team and MLS, along with European soccer clubs, shared their condolences following the news.
U.S. Soccer posted on its Twitter account, “A legend, and a friend to us and our sport. Our hearts break today. Rest In Peace, Kobe and Gigi.”
MLS posted on its account, “Major League Soccer mourns the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all of the victims of today’s tragic accident. We are devastated by this news, and extend our condolences to the Bryant family and the families and friends of everyone involved.”
Orlando City captain Nani posted a picture with Bryant on
Instagram with a message that read, “Kobe just 10 days ago I had the pleasure of meeting you and felt what a great human being you were. I really thank you for some of the kind words you said when we spoke. I am so sad that you are gone. Rest in peace. #rip #kobe”
Orlando Pride and U.S. women’s national team star Alex Morgan added, “My heart is heavy with the news of Kobe Bryant. Prayers go out to his family right now through this unthinkable time.”
Fellow USWNT star Megan Rapinoe posted, “Heart going out to the Bryant family right now. RIP.”
USWNT captain Carli Lloyd saluted Bryant by posting, “A true inspiration on and off the court. Gone way too soon.”
New LA Galaxy signee and Mexican star Javier “Chicharito” Herrera, who just got settled in California, posted, “I still can’t believe the news. I’m very sorry about what happened. My condolences and best wishes to Kobe’s whole family. #RIPMAMBA”
Brazilian star Neymar held up the number 24 in honor of Bryant after scoring a goal for Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho spoke about Bryant in his post-game press conference, praising him as “a serial winner” and a “great example in the world of sport.”
Clubs and players throughout Europe — where Bryant commonly traveled to watch matches — also reacted to the news with grief and sympathy for Bryant’s family.
Club Tottenham Hotspur posted on its account, “We are shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. The world of sport has lost a true legend. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and families of all the victims at this terribly sad time.”
Manchester City posted on its account, “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kobe Bryant. He was a true sporting icon and transcended the sport of basketball. Our thoughts are with Kobe Bryant’s friends, family and the entire Lakers organisation during this tragic time”
AS Roma posted a message from co-owner and chairman Jim Pallotta that read, “On behalf of myself, the players and staff at AS Roma, we join the rest of the sporting world in mourning the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a true icon and our thoughts are now with his family and the families of all of the victims aboard that flight.”