Sports fans around the world are mourning the death of basketball legend Kobe Bryant.
Although he was mostly known as an iconic pillar of the Los Angeles Lakers, the late Bryant was passionate about football as well.
His interest in the game began at a young age. When he was six years old, his father - former NBA player Joe Bryant, relocated the family to Italy to continue his professional career. They had to relocate a few times, as his father played for several different teams. This allowed Kobe to become fluent in Italian. He fell in love with one of Italy’s most renowned clubs, AC Milan.
While in Italy, he played youth football, initially as a goalkeeper but later on moving to midfield. Like many others at the time, he looked up to the stars of the European champions Dutch squad, including Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard, and his favourite - Marco Van Basten.
He returned to the U.S. and flourished into a high school phenom, and later one of the best players the NBA has ever seen. However, throughout his career, he was still in touch with the beautiful game. Occasionally, we would hear Kobe talk about his admiration of some of the more renowned football players around the globe. He wasn’t just showing support for a club, he would delve into tactics and ideology – a sure sign of a true football fan.
His connection was made apparent when he became the presenter for Turkish Airlines. In their commercials, he appears alongside former AC Milan star Andrea Pirlo and Lionel Messi. His relationship with Messi would later lead on to create a strong relationship with FC Barcelona.
After retiring from professional play, his involvement in football grew tremendously, as he visited other players and even practiced with them occasionally. A few years ago he trained with PSG stars Neymar and Kylian Mbappe. He was frequently seen at matches, which is almost unheard of from an American superstar athlete. Bryant even dressed up in charity friendly matches - he was known as a philanthropist when it came to initiatives involving football.
Bryant was also an incredibly knowledgeable and involved with the U.S national football teams. A massive fan of both the men’s and women’s team, Bryant was a great ambassador for the game in the United States. Recently, he even took a more active role in MLS. Although he said he wouldn’t own a team like fellow NBA stars such as James Harden, he has expressed his joy and excitement of the growth of his league at home.
A major reason Kobe was loved as an athlete was his attitude and work ethic. According to teammates, he was always first in the gym and to practice. His “Mamba” mentality was to outwork everyone off the court, which would pay off on the court in games. His attitude inspired thousands of aspiring athletes all over the world. Thousands of young kids, especially across the United States, looked up to him as a role model and tried implementing his approach in their lives. He inspired a generation of athletes in the world.
When the news hit, many were shocked – but soon after the responses started pouring. Clubs and leagues around the world sent condolences to his family, honored his memory and achievements by posting pictures and videos. Many players, some of whom were friendly with Kobe, posted heart-felt messages.
Walker Zimmerman, a USMNT defender explained the impact that he had on his life as a model athlete. Countless footballers posted pictures with him in memory. The love for Kobe Bryant was felt all around the world.
He was an athlete who transcended continents and sports. He understood the binding powers of sports and utilized it. The world lost a legend, someone who was truly loved. Kobe Bryant will be missed dearly.