Basketball: the world mourns NBA legend Kobe Bryant

A legend, a friend, a brother ... Tributes have been pouring in on social networks since the announcement of the death of Kobe Briant, who died at the age of 41 in a helicopter accident in Calabas, in southern California. The city's mayor and the provincial governor confirmed the death a few hours after its announcement by the American celebrity news site TMZ. Among the nine victims is one of his four daughters Gianna Bryant, 13 years old.

French baksetter Tony Parker was the first to react. Whoever faced him with San Antonio for fifteen years, notably during the breathtaking series of play-offs in the West, declared himself "heartbroken". "You were a true legend and a friend. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant, my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children # legend #mamba #goat," he reacted on Twitter.

I'm heartbroken by this news, you were a true legend, and friend. Rest In Peace @kobebryant, my thoughts and prayers to his wife and kids. #legend #mamba #goat pic.twitter.com/1VKYdbrVEk

Spaniard Pau Gasol, who won two NBA titles with Kobe in the Lakers jersey, said he was "worse than devastated". "My big brother ... I just can't believe it."

Beyond devastated ... my big brother ... I can't, I just can't believe it

Magic Johnson, one of the greatest players in NBA history, called Kobe Bryant "the greatest Laker of all time", a title he could easily claim.

"I have no words to express my pain," tweeted Shaquille O'Neal, teammate and best enemy of Bryant in Los Angeles in the early 2000s. "I AM SICK," he insisted.

There's no words to express the pain Im going through with this tragedy of loosing my neice Gigi & my brother @kobebryant I love u and u will be missed. My condolences goes out to the Bryant family and the families of the other passengers on board. IM SICK RIGHT NOW pic.twitter.com/pigHywq3c1

Kobe was so much more than an athlete, he was a family man. That was what we had most in common. I would hug his children like they were my own and he would embrace my kids like they were his. His baby girl Gigi was born on the same day as my youngest daughter Me'Arah. pic.twitter.com/BHBPN5Wq8V

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane also expressed his disbelief: "This is terrible, this is terrible news, which affects everyone, all of us. I cannot say anything more .. . "

"It is a great sadness for the world of sport and for all of us, not only the basketball fans but for all that he has done for the sport," reacted the Brazilian Neymar, who paid tribute to his friend with a gesture of prayer and a N.24 formed with his fingers after his goal scored on Sunday on the field of Lille with the Paris SG.

The Frenchman Kylian Mbappé published on his Instagram account a black and white photo where he is next to Kobe, with these words: "RIP LEGEND"

Dia sad pra nós dos esporte, pra nós fãs e mainly pra família e amigos de kobe. Com suas mãos se fez lenda, obrigado por exaltar o esporte Kobe ... que Deus consolidate o coração de sua família e amigos 🙏🏽🖤 #ripkobebryant # 24 pic.twitter.com/QPjIy7Fhou

Kobe Bryant was "on fire," remembered golf star Tiger Woods, who started his professional career the same year as the basketball player. "He had such a desire to win, he brought it every night".

"I wanted to be like Kobe"

"I don't even know where to start. I started playing basketball thanks to KOBE while watching the 2010 finals. I had never played basketball before that, and these finals changed my life. I WANTED TO BE LIKE KOBE, I'm SO SAD there! RIP THE LEGEND, "said Joel Embiid, the Cameroonian star from Kobe's Philadelphia, birthplace.

"I'm devastated. Words can't even describe it. Today is just an incredibly sad and tragic day," said Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen, who alongside Michael Jordan dominated the NBA in the 1990s. before the advent of Bryant.

The young Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, representative of this new generation who did not face the "Black Mamba" but grew up admiring it, thanked the Lakers star: "All the lessons, all the advice. words you addressed to me ... It will stay with me forever ".

"It’s a shock for all of us," said Utah Rudy Gobert, the French pivot, who grew up watching Bryant’s exploits with the Lakers and for whom "Kobe remains a legend. one that has inspired and will continue to inspire millions, millions of young people. "

"We miss you already my brother. Rest in peace," said American football superstar Tom Brady, one of the greatest athletes in the history of American sport.

During the NBA matches disputed in the afternoon of Sunday, several vibrant tributes were paid to him. To the applause of the San Antonio public, the Toronto Raptors players let the 24 seconds of their first possession of the match pass, in tribute to the number 24 worn by Bryant.

The drama also resounded in the political world. President Donald Trump reacted by evoking "terrible news". Former Democratic Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to the Lakers' former back during a campaign meeting in Iowa. "It makes you realize that every day has to count."

Kobe Bryant, despite being one of the truly great basketball players of all time, was just getting started in life. He loved his family so much, and had such strong passion for the future. The loss of his beautiful daughter, Gianna, makes this moment even more devastating ....

His predecessor in the White House, Barack Obama, a great basketball fan, paid tribute to him: "Kobe was a legend on the floors and began to be in what would have been an equally strong second act".

Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.

Tributes in music and cinema

The world of music and film, which Kobe encountered during his 20 years in California, also expressed his sadness.

Rap legend Snoop Dogg, an almost tutelary figure of the city of Los Angeles and a huge Lakers fan before the Lord, said he was "heartbroken". "The world has lost a giant today. Rest in peace Kobe Bryant," said rap and pop superstar Pharrell Williams.

"My heart is in pieces since I became aware of this unimaginable tragedy, I can not imagine what families are going through right now," said singer tweet Taylor Swift.

My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can't fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.

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