SUMMARY
- Kobe Bryant is termed as a legend in the world of basketball. The veteran American player had a career in the sport that traversed around a period of about 20 years.
- During his auspicious career, he lifted five championship trophies with the well-known NBA team Los Angeles Lakers.
Kobe Bryant is termed as a legend in the world of basketball. The veteran American player had a career in the sport that traversed around a period of about 20 years. During his auspicious career, he lifted five championship trophies with the well-known NBA team Los Angeles Lakers.
However, according to reports, Kobe Bryant loved another sport more and termed it as his favorite. The game of soccer was Kobe’s go-through sport during his earlier days. Not only did the veteran play soccer, but also had an interest in watching the matches played by some of the clubs he followed.
Kobe once stated – “I am actually a huge fan”. “I grew up in Italy. From the age of 6 to 14 I played soccer every day”. He further went on to say – “It is actually my favorite sport”. From the words of the Black Mamba, his unconditional love for the game of soccer can be felt.
The reason Kobe Bryant played soccer all the time
Kobe expressed the reason behind his love for the game of soccer. The veteran stated – “(Soccer) is strategic. Upon receiving the ball you already have to have a good idea of what you’re reading in front of you and what the next move is”. The Basketball legend further pressed upon the structure of the game and how he was taught about the game during his earlier days.
Kobe Bryant always loved the Beautiful Game. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mBOrBzk44B
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) January 27, 2020
He inflicted – “They taught me at an early age how to play in triangles and how to utilize space”. Kobe asserted that the technique even helped him while playing basketball. “I loved the idea of how quickly the ball moves and how quickly you have to process what’s moving right in front of you to make decisions”, Further expressing his love for soccer’s technical side, he insisted.
From his statements, it can be inferred that Kobe mainly loved the game of soccer and used to play it often because he loved the strategic and technical aspects of the game. The NBA legend also seemed to enjoy the quick-decision-making side of soccer’s gameplay.
Kobe Bryant’s favorite soccer team and friends in the world of soccer
As per reports the Seria A giants AC Milan served as the favorite soccer club of Kobe Bryant. Kobe was a massive supporter of the Italian club. Also, his love for soccer granted him a couple of good relationships in the soccer world. The American basketball sensation became friends with some of the biggest names in the soccer hierarchy.
Kobe Bryant and Lionel Messi 🐐 🐐 pic.twitter.com/ZV1t1L3vLT
— Kobe Highlights & Motivation (@kobehighlight) December 18, 2022
Kobe struck a good bond with FC Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi. He was also close to Brazil’s legendary player Ronaldinho. When Leo used to play for Barca, Kobe often wore the club’s jersey. He also took several interest in meeting different players from FC Barcelona’s roster.
With such an exhilarating NBA career and legacy built, it will be a big thing for his fans to know that the Black Mamba preferred soccer as his favorite sport. While the basketball world still remembers the legendary player for his contributions to the game, Kobe is also well respected among the soccer hierarchy.