Kobe Bryant: World sport stars and celebrities pay tribute to basketball legend

Iconic golfer Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner, said he heard the news after completing his final round at the Farmers Insurance Open in California.

“[Caddie] Joey La Cava told me coming off the 18th green. I didn’t understand why the crowd was saying ‘beautiful Mamba’, now I know,” he said.

“It’s unbelievably sad and the reality is sinking in because I was told about five minutes ago.

“He brought a desire to win every night on both ends of the floor, not too many guys can say that. Any time he was in the game, he’d take on their best player.”

Former England captain David Beckham, who also played for LA Galaxy, posted on Instagram: “This was one special athlete, husband, father and friend. Having to write these words is hard enough but also knowing we have lost an amazing human being and his beautiful and talented daughter Gianna is heartbreaking.

“The commitment Kobe showed to his sport was inspiring, to go through the pain and to finish a game off like only he could inspired me to try to be better.

“Kobe always talked about Vanessa and his beautiful girls and how proud he was of them. Kobe’s passion was his family and basketball. He was determined to inspire the next generation of boys and girls to embrace the sport that he loved. His legacy will live on.”

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson wrote on Twitter: “I mourn with the world. Lost a legend. No words. I’m messed up. RIP Kobe Bryant, Gianna and the rest of the passengers.”

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi wrote on Instagram: “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.”

Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo said the news was “heartbreaking”, adding Bryant was “a true legend and inspiration to so many”, while Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba added: “Heroes come and go, legends are for ever.”

Britain’s six-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton said: “I’m so sad to hear that we lost one of our greats. Bryant was one of the greatest athletes and was such an inspiration to so many, including myself.”

Brazil and Paris St-Germain forward Neymar paid tribute with a goal celebration in Sunday evening’s win at Lille.

After scoring a second-half penalty, he held up two fingers on one hand and four on the other, marking Bryant’s Lakers shirt number of 24.

The Brazil striker, a basketball fan who had met Bryant, also bowed and pointed to the sky.

World number one tennis player 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.”

Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford tweeted: “A true inspiration in the sporting industry. RIP legend.” And Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling added: “Rest easy Legend.”

Two-time Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka posted this letter to Bryant on Twitter.