Soccer community reacts to Kobe's death

January 27, 2020

The death of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others Sunday morning brought immediate outpouring from fans from around the world of the NBA star. And soccer was no different.

The Laker great was a big soccer fan, and everyone from the world's best players to US Soccer - men and women -- to local youth clubs went to Twitter in the past 24 hours to share their thoughts. Here's a sampling:

A legend, and a friend to us and our sport. Our hearts break today.

Rest In Peace, Kobe and Gigi. pic.twitter.com/R5qkgERv9k
— U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) January 26, 2020

My heart is heavy with the news of Kobe Bryant. Prayers go out to his family right now through this unthinkable time.
— Alex Morgan (@alexmorgan13) January 26, 2020

The LA Galaxy are devastated and saddened by the news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy as we mourn with the city of Los Angeles and the global sports community. pic.twitter.com/JgmGBQQeQe
— LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 27, 2020

RIP LEGEND 😭🇺🇸🙏🏽... pic.twitter.com/kEQ99cRohO
— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) January 26, 2020

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

Soccer world mourns the death of Kobe: ESPN FC's Gab Marcotti reflects on Bryant's love for soccer as players and clubs pay tribute to the NBA legend. https://t.co/xQ24Crj8g6
— P. Stiegman (@pstiegman) January 26, 2020

Dia triste pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e principalmente pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe... que Deus conforte o coração de sua família e amigos 🙏🏽 #ripkobebryant #24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou
— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) January 26, 2020

Sergio Ramos wears Kobe Bryant's USA nation team jersey as Real Madrid paid tribute to Kobe with a minute's silence in training. pic.twitter.com/6JYxvj9dLL
— Squawka News (@SquawkaNews) January 27, 2020

Upon hearing the news following today's training session of Kobe Bryant's passing, #USMNT defender @TheWalkerZim spoke of the inspiration the basketball legend gave to those around the world. pic.twitter.com/WZW1ffuDdu
— U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) January 27, 2020

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. pic.twitter.com/iwEzfPiv8z
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 26, 2020

Neymar paid tribute to Kobe Bryant by holding up the iconic No. 24 after scoring for PSG. 🙏

(via @beINSPORTSUSA)pic.twitter.com/svYirpiOTZ
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 26, 2020

We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe 🙏❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/FOd365chEL
— AC Milan (@acmilan) January 26, 2020

Kobe always showed up for us. He was there before 2015. He continued to be there after 2019.

We’ll miss you and we’ll miss Gigi. Rest In Peace, friend. We’ll carry that Mamba Mentality forever. pic.twitter.com/SQQX4lss5W
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@USWNT) January 26, 2020

Los Angeles has lost a legend.

We mourn the loss of Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and all the victims of today’s accident. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and those impacted by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/z91bcCOMlY
— LAFC (@LAFC) January 27, 2020