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The news of Kobe Bryant’s tragic passing has impacted people all across the globe, especially elite athletes, as Bryant’s legendary “Mamba Mentality” likely served as an inspiration to many who make their livelihood in professional sports.
Real Madrid, one of the most popular sports franchises on the planet, paid their respect to the late Lakers legend earlier today by observing a moment of silence prior to their practice.
In addition to the moment of silence, Sergio Ramos — the iconic captain of both Real Madrid and Spain — showed up to training wearing a #10 Kobe Bryant United States National Team jersey.
Today at Real Madrid.pic.twitter.com/jEwXw4E2TQ
— Across the Pond (@acrossthepond) January 27, 2020
Even in death, Kobe Bryant remains remarkably capable of achieving the impossible: making Sergio Ramos seem likable. Only Kobe Bryant could pull off a feat so monumental.
Real Madrid is far from the only soccer club to pay respect to the basketball legend, as tons of high-profile clubs and players took to social media to express their sadness about the loss of the sporting icon.
RIP Kobe Bryant 1978-2020.
Sports icon. pic.twitter.com/aOTWyPtyD3— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 26, 2020
We’re deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones at this extremely difficult time ♥️ pic.twitter.com/1IDAGRqafS
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 26, 2020
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. pic.twitter.com/ZuNk5SClEe
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 26, 2020
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 💙 pic.twitter.com/Bg9cQN83ZG
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 26, 2020
A true sporting icon.
Rest in peace, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/4BuwDWtJ94— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 26, 2020
Bryant, just 41-years-old, passed away in a helicopter crash around 9:52 a.m. PST on Sunday, January 26. In addition to Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Marie was one of the nine victims in the crash.
The response from around the globe has been powerful and immediate, as people all around the world have paid tribute to Bryant. You can find all of the emotional tributes to Kobe here. Additionally, you can find further tributes from the global soccer community below.
So sad to hear the heartbreaking news of the deaths of Kobe and his daughter Gianna. Kobe was a true legend and inspiration to so many. Sending my condolences to his family and friends and the families of all who lost their lives in the crash. RIP Legend💔 pic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) January 26, 2020
After scoring for PSG, Neymar flashed No. 24 to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant, who died Sunday morning in a helicopter crash. pic.twitter.com/EOrk3cZAUd
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 26, 2020
My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of Kobe and of those who died in the terrible accident.
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) January 26, 2020
Can’t believe it…RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/d9tvU6nnoC
— David Silva (@21LVA) January 26, 2020
Shocking news about Kobe Bryant. A global sporting legend 🏀 #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/ek2favzEcJ
— James Milner (@JamesMilner) January 26, 2020
RIP Kobe.
My thoughts go out to your family. 😥 pic.twitter.com/iFBdfayBXQ— Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) January 26, 2020
A true inspiration in the sporting industry. RIP legend. 💔👑 pic.twitter.com/riqBbwRfDc
— Marcus Rashford (@MarcusRashford) January 26, 2020
Kobe !! 😢😢😢
— Alexandre Lacazette (@LacazetteAlex) January 26, 2020
The thoughts and prayers of the entire BroBible team out go out to the friends, family, and loved ones of the Bryant family during this extremely difficult time. May Kobe, Gianna, and all of the victims of the crash rest in peace.
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Eric is a New York City-based writer who still isn’t quite sure how he’s allowed to have this much fun for a living and will tell anyone who listens that Gotham City is canonically in New Jersey. Follow him on Twitter @eric_ital for movie and soccer takes or contact him eric@brobible.com