'A true inspiration' - Football stars pay tribute to Kobe Bryant after basketball hero dies in helicopter crash

Players and clubs expressed their sadness after the 41-year-old and four other people died in the crash on Sunday morning

The world has been shaken by the news that basketball legend Kobe Bryant has died in a helicopter crash at the age of 41.

The former LA Lakers star was flying over California when, according to TMZ, a fire started and caused the helicopter to spiral and crash.

Reports say nobody on board the helicopter survived the crash with all five passengers dying in the tragic accident, including his 13-year-old daughter Gianna.

Bryant, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, won five NBA Championships in his illustrious 20-year long career with the Lakers.

He was also an NBA All-Star 18 times and was crowned the league's Most Valuable Player among many other accolades.

In addition to his basketball achievements, Bryant was a massive football fan. The former Laker famously supported AC Milan while also participating in commercials alongside the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

The passing of the icon has left the sporting world in mourning, with many footballers and clubs expressing their grief.

The likes of Barcelona star Lionel Messi, Juventus attacker Cristiano Ronaldo, Argentina icon Diego Maradona and Manchester City attacker Sergio Aguero were among those who took to social media to pay tribute to the world-famous athlete.

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💔 pic.twitter.com/qKb3oiDHxH

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) 2020年1月26日

#MambaForever

— Kylian Mbappé (@KMbappe) 2020年1月26日

A legend in one sport who loved, and was loved in, ours.#RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/DwzJ2kox4C

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) 2020年1月26日

Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear of the death of Kobe Bryant.

He was a true sporting icon and transcended the sport of basketball.

Our thoughts are with Kobe Bryant's friends, family and the entire Lakers organisation during this tragic time 💙 pic.twitter.com/Bg9cQN83ZG

— Manchester City (@ManCity) 2020年1月26日

Rest in peace KOBE BRYANT and all the victims who have passed away in that tragic accident and give all my condolences to family and friends😌🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/5wecXPdmaS

— Luis Suarez (@LuisSuarez9) 2020年1月26日

Legend. #RIPKobe 🙏

— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) 2020年1月26日

Profundamente conmovido//Deeply saddened by the loss of #KobeBryant 💔 #RIP 🙏🏽 #Legend pic.twitter.com/qo6e1mtTcp

— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) 2020年1月26日