A collection of football tributes to Nelson Mandela after the former President of South Africa died last night surrounded by family at his Johannesburg home, aged 95.
As news of the anti-apartheid revolutionary’s death emerged, prominent members of the footballing community took to Twitter like so many others to express their admiration for the South African icon.
Take a look at our selection of football tributes to Nelson Mandela below:
The greatest man on the planet has died. RIP Nelson Mandela
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 5, 2013
Rip nelson mandela. Freedom fighter ..
— Andrew Cole (@vancole9) December 5, 2013
"The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear". Love this one! Thoughts with his family! Great man! NM!
— Jack Wilshere (@JackWilshere) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela! Todo un héroe..
— Gerard Deulofeu (@gerardeulofeu) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela. An inspirational and incredible man
— Ashley Young (@youngy18) December 5, 2013
I was fortunate enough to meet the GREAT man in 1992 and it's as clear now as it was then,thank you for that pleasure Mr Mandela
RIP Sir
— Dion Dublin (@DionDublinsDube) December 5, 2013
May your soul rest in peace…@NelsonMandela pic.twitter.com/81eYpiVpx0
— Samuel Eto'o (@setoo9) December 5, 2013
'It always seems impossible until it's done.'
RIP Nelson Mandela
— Álvaro Arbeloa (@aarbeloa17) December 5, 2013
So sad! Good bye Nelson Mandela alias #MADiBA @NelsonMandela #RIP pic.twitter.com/kPqhj9wZUZ
— Gervinho (@GervinhOfficial) December 5, 2013
I was lucky enough to meet Nelson Mandela. Shook his hand and looked into his eyes.His greatness was overpowering
— Lee Dixon (@LeeDixon2) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela. Heros never die!! #hero #NelsonMandela #RIP #RIPNelsonMandela
— Lukas-Podolski.com (@Podolski10) December 5, 2013
Thanks @nelsonmandela for being with us and blessed us with your wisdom and love, https://t.co/HXtQg6EAZR
— Ruud Gullit (@GullitR) December 5, 2013
RIP #NelsonMandela #Madiba
A real inspiration.
Lived once but his legacy lives forever.
— Michael Carrick (@carras16) December 5, 2013
My respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time: Nelson Mandela. http://t.co/0iLg06VUEU
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) December 5, 2013
2010WorldCup is in my heart.As other incredible things,it would never happened without @NelsonMandela Thanks #Madiba pic.twitter.com/OfuKzGjIsB
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) December 5, 2013
Nelson Mandela was a superhero #Gutted the world lost a #Hero#Legend#leader#blackrolemodel#BigRespect Will always have a place in my heart
— ra'vel (@morrisonravel) December 5, 2013
Met the great man & knew it was imminent but still a shock RIP Nelson Mandela a victory for everyone everywhere to forgive but not forget
— Chris Kamara (@chris_kammy) December 5, 2013
Thank you for everything Madiba. Rest in Peace http://t.co/QvzvS7i7wx
— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) December 5, 2013
RIP MR Nelson Mandela. You are a great man and will always be remembered. Much much much RESPECT. RIP sir.
— Freddy Adu (@FreddyAdu) December 5, 2013
Rest in peace @NelsonMandela, an example of fight. Descansa en paz Nelson Mandela, un gran ejemplo de lucha. Descansa en pau #Madiba.
— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 5, 2013
He went into the den of his former enemy and killed them with kindness, warmth,humour and a special human spirit. pic.twitter.com/NfwNO1aDLK
— Stan Collymore (@StanCollymore) December 5, 2013
Sad news from SA. I join the millions of people to thank a father of many and a great leader Nelson Mandela for all the good he has done
— Peter Odemwingie (@OdemwingieP) December 5, 2013
You changed the world. You may be gone but your words of wisdom will live on forever. #RIPMrNelsonMandela #Hero pic.twitter.com/jR7OMYCJ1J
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) December 5, 2013
rest in peace father africa great example to us all @NelsonMandela "Your example will" pic.twitter.com/ocQIi4isA1
— George Weah (@weah_official) December 5, 2013
R.I.P Nelson Mandela, such an inspiration for the humanity. Will be always remembered. Hero of our days.
— Juan Mata García (@juanmata10) December 5, 2013
Today, I am very saddened. Nelson Mandela was one of the most influential people in my life. pic.twitter.com/zzixsqm1Af
— Pelé (@Pele) December 5, 2013
He was my hero, my friend, and also a companion to me in our fight for the people and for world peace.
— Pelé (@Pele) December 5, 2013
I will not mourn your death but I will celebrate your life pic.twitter.com/GuPgiEk6EM
— Carlton Cole (@CarltonCole1) December 5, 2013