Kobe Bryant: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar mourn ex-basketball player who died at 41- Kobe Bryant who was former Los Angeles Lakers was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter and seven others - The sporting fraternity was plunged into shock and mourning following the tragic news - Footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were part of athletes stunned by the tragic news Juventus superstar Cristiano Ronaldo joined the rest of the world in mourning basketball icon, Kobe Bryant, barely hours after coming off a tight Serie A clash. The 34 year old was among the scorers but his goal proved nothing but a consolation as Juventus succumbed to a 2-1 loss to Genarro Gatusso’s Napoli. By the time the game ended, news of Kobe passing away alongside his daughter Gianna Maria had already gone viral. Taking to his lucrative social media handle, Ronaldo wrote, “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.” Recommended for you "Thought it's Bella Shmurda": Lady enters campus in oversized polo, big ski... Barcelona’s Lionel Messi was also stunned by Kobe’s death and he also took to celebrate the icon, whom he had the pleasure of interacting with on several occasions. “I have no words. All my love for Kobe family and friends. It was a pleasure to meet you and share good moments together. You were a genius like few others,” Messi’s statement said. Paris Saint Germain forward Neymar, who has an uncanny liking for basketball on the side, was also lost for words. “With your hands you became a legend. Thank you for exalting the sport Kobe. May God comfort the family and friends,” he wrote. Legends of the basketball sport including Shaquille O'Neil, Michael Jordan and Dwayne Wade also took to social media with glowing tributes towards Kobe. Bryant enjoyed a terrific basketball career with Los Angeles Lakers spanning to close to two decades. Recommended for you “Comedians go many this year”: Ogb reveals how much Sydney Talker gave him... During the period, he won a couple of titles, including five NBA championships before calling it quits in 2016. Earlier, Legit.ng had reported how former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, Kobe Bryant recently passed on after he was involved in a helicopter crash in Calabasas on the morning of January 26. According to reports, Bryant was traveling with four other people in his private helicopter when it crashed, killing everyone on board. Sadio Mane doesn't care about worldly things - Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi| Legit TV Source: Legit.ng - Kobe Bryant who was former Los Angeles Lakers was killed in a helicopter crash alongside his 13-year-old daughter and seven others - The sporting fraternity was plunged into shock and mourning following the tragic news - Footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were part of athletes stunned by the tragic news Legit.ng Sadio Mane doesn't care about worldly things - Liverpool loanee Taiwo Awoniyi|