Over the course of Kobe Bryant’s professional basketball career — as well as in the years after it — his considerable influence transcended beyond basketball. Bryant was never too far from football, as a child, he started out as a goalkeeper before being introduced to basketball. His interest in football was something he always held unto as he found time to associate himself with various football franchises. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that professional footballers paid their tribute to Bryant days after learning that the Lakers legend and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna were among the nine victims of a Calabasas helicopter crash last Sunday morning. A plethora of renowned football stars like Christiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Virgil Van Dijk have all paid tribute to the 41-year old as well as all the major European football clubs. Similarly, Ghanaian footballers including former Black Stars skipper, Stephen Appiah, Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan and Solomon Asante have also paid their respect to Bryant. --