Global Sports Icons Pay Tribute To 'Legend' Kobe Bryant

Bryant, 41, died on Sunday when a helicopter he was riding in crashed and burst into flames in thick fog in Calabasas, California, killing all nine people on board including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna

Photo: rohitsharma45 (Instagram)

New Delhi: Global sports personalities joined the rest of the basketball world in mourning the untimely passing of NBA Legend Kobe Bryant, a nominee for 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame class and an icon of the game. Sports icons on Monday offered sincerest condolences to the Bryant Family and those affected by the tragedy. Bryant, 41, died on Sunday when a helicopter he was riding in crashed and burst into flames in thick fog in Calabasas, California, killing all nine people on board including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. Offering his condolences, India captain Virat Kohli posted an image of Bryant on Instagram and wrote: "Absolutely devastated to hear this news today. So many childhood memories of waking up early and watching this magician doing things on the court that I would be mesmerized by..." Photo: virat.kohli (Instagram) Barcelona forward Lionel Messi shared Bryant's picture on Instagram along and wrote: "I have no words...all my love for Kobe's family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet you and share good times together. You were a genius like few others." Photo: leomessi (Instagram) Cristiano Ronaldo also posted a picture of Bryant and said: "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." Photo: cristiano (Instagram) Kohli's teammate Rohit Sharma said: "Sad day for the sporting world today. One of the greats of the game gone too soon. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant and his little daughter Gianna and the other victims." Photo: rohitsharma45 (Instagram) India cricketing icon Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter and said: "Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world."

Saddened to hear about the tragic demise of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna & others on-board the helicopter. My condolences to his family, friends and fans across the world. #KobeBryant pic.twitter.com/N8B4Tcr4KU

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) January 27, 2020

Tennis star Novak Djokovic took to Twitter and wrote: "My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend."

My heart truly mourns over the news today. Kobe was a great mentor and friend to me. You and your daughter will live forever in our hearts. There are not enough words to express my deepest sympathies to the Bryants and every family suffering from this tragedy. RIP my friend pic.twitter.com/VRmgaOaITT

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) January 27, 2020

World No. 1 Rafael Nadal tweeted: "I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsmen in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock."

I woke up this morning with the horrible news of the tragic death of one of the greatest sportsman in the world. Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and other passengers. My condolences to his wife and families. I am in shock.

— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) January 27, 2020

Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin express shock at the news and tweeted: "Kobe Bryant died??? One of greatest sportsmen of our time is no more."

Kobe Bryant died??????? One of greatest sportsmen of our time is no more. #RIPKobe

— Ashwin Ravichandran (@ashwinravi99) January 27, 2020

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne tweeted: "Like everyone, I'm stunned, shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter who died in a helicopter crash. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time."

Like everyone, I’m stunned, shocked and saddened to hear the horrific news about Kobe Bryant and his 13 year old daughter who died in a helicopter crash. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones at this extremely sad time ! #RIPKobeBryant

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) January 26, 2020

Ex India cricketer Yuvraj Singh tweeted: "Shocked to hear that Kobe Bryant has passed away   ! Such a great basketball player has just gone  like this , makes us realise life is so vulnerable . RIP legend"

Shocked to hear that Kobe Bryant has passed away ! Such a great basketball player has just gone like this , makes us realise life is so vulnerable . RIP legend 🙏

— yuvraj singh (@YUVSTRONG12) January 26, 2020

India senior opener Shikhar Dhawan tweeted: "Heartbreaking to hear about Kobe, his daughter and everyone onboard the helicopter. Shocking tragedy. Sincere condolences to the friends & family. #RIPMamba"

Heartbreaking to hear about Kobe, his daughter and everyone onboard the helicopter. Shocking tragedy. Sincere condolences to the friends & family. #RIPMamba 🙏 pic.twitter.com/M1AYxnkqkW

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) January 27, 2020

The basketball world and Los Angeles were "Brokenhearted" and "devastated" after the news of 18-time NBA All-Star basketball legend's death broke out. As screens began flashing the dateline 'Kobe Bryant, 1978-2020', the Bryant fandom struggled to come to terms with their hero's mention in past tense.