Neymar Dedicates Goal To Kobe Bryant After Throwing Up '24'

PSG star Neymar dedicated his second goal to the late Kobe Bryant after news of his tragic passing was confirmed on Sunday.

The Basketball icon passed away along with four other people, including his 13-year old daughter Gianna, who also onboard the private aircraft when it burst into flames as they were on the way to a practice session at the Mamba Academy this morning.

The news shocked the sporting world and has led to a whole host of tributes pouring in for the 41-year old, widely viewed as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

He completely transcended the sport in his 20-year career on the court and Neymar, a huge basketball fan who met 'Mamba' in 2017, paid tribute when he scored a penalty early in the second half against Lille.

Neymar dedicated his goal to Kobe Bryant by raising the #24.

RIP 🌹 pic.twitter.com/9iFGxmUF1U

— Transfer News (@TrustyTransfers) 2020年1月26日

.@Ligue1Conforama | @LOSC_PT 0-2 @PSG_English | GOLO!

Neymar marca o penálti e dedica o golo ao nº24 Kobe Bryant ♥️ #Ligue1Eleven #ForTheFans pic.twitter.com/Fqjqu7DOb6

— Eleven Sports Portugal (@ElevenSports_PT) 2020年1月26日

Neymar just dedicated his 2nd goal of the night to Kobe. Class touch. pic.twitter.com/KVJ2mb9y2u

— Elliot Hackney (@ElliotHackney) 2020年1月26日

The Brazilian had found out about Bryant's death at half-time and after finding the net for a second time, gestured the No.24 (Bryant's iconic LA Lakers number) before praying and pointing to the sky.

Games in the NBA continued but Toronto Raptors and San Antonio Spurs plays paid tribute in the opening exchanges on the court.

Both sets of players allowed the shot clock to expire for 24-second violations on each of their first possessions, with the crowd in attendance giving a standing ovation and chanting Bryant's name in a wonderful moment.

Remarkable moment to start the Raptors-Spurs game. pic.twitter.com/thmt9ZU1Ra

— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) 2020年1月26日