Photo by ABC News
By Dakota Dobrovich-Fago, Staff Writer
On January 26, 2020, the world lost a legend.
Kobe Bryant, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna Bryant, and seven others were tragically killed in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. In the wake of the tragic death of Bryant, many across the world were impacted. Many were inspired by his athletic abilities and what he represented.
Bryant was a decorated player within the NBA with five NBA Championships and two Finals MVP awards. In addition, he was an 18-time all-star, a 15-time All-NBA team selection, and 12-time all-defense selection. These accomplishments all occurred while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers.
With his career lasting 20 seasons, he ranks fourth on the league’s all-time regular season and post-season scoring lists.
Many NBA players had been left heartbroken knowing they had just lost a legend to the game they loved; his impact was more than just the game of basketball. In fact, many soccer stars have been grieving the loss of Bryant as well.
David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, and Romelu Lukaku were also individually affected, while clubs like Barcelona and A.C. Milan were impacted by the death.
Bryant was born in Philadelphia, Pa. but would later relocate to Italy at the age of six. Italy is where he learned how to play soccer. His favorite team was A.C. Milan, who is from Italy. Although he thoroughly enjoyed living in Italy, he would later move back to the United States at the age of 13.
This part of his life would forever stay with him throughout his professional career as he became close with many soccer stars over the years. His involvement in the sport made others become entertained by the sport as well. LeBron James, NBA star and close friend to Bryant, bought part ownership of the Liverpool Soccer club based in England.
As previously mentioned, Bryant was much more than the sport of basketball. He related to others all around him. Many soccer stars idolized him as a winner with a mentality like no other. He was an advocate for perfection and someone who strived for greatness even in the smallest tasks. Getting things done the right way was the way he lived and played.
“My biggest sports model is the man right here,” Lukaku wrote on Instagram. “Your work ethic and mentality inspired me so much from as soon as I knew what it took to become a pro. You were enjoying your new chapter in your life and to leave us just like that is just devastating. I love you so much! You the GOAT.”
David Beckham, a former professional soccer player, also posted saying, “…The commitment he showed to his sport was inspiring, to go through the pain and to finish a game off like only he could inspire me to try and be better…”.
In addition, Ronaldinho, another former professional soccer star, posted the infamous picture of him and Bryant watching a game. Bryant got to share a special moment with Ronaldinho as he told Bryant about the legend we know as Messi saying that he was going to be the next special player to grace the game, which no one at the time knew.
Needless to say, the world lost someone who affected many athletes and the rest of the world. To see a legend like that be cut short so early in life is something you never want to see or hear. But thankfully, his legacy and greatness will be passed onto the many current sports stars because of his play.
