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Published 08:41 IST, January 27th 2020

Kobe Bryant dead: PSG star Neymar pays '24' tribute to 'The Black Mamba'

Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday night after a helicopter he was travelling in crashed near LA. PSG star Neymar paid tribute to Bryant during a Ligue 1 match.

Reported by: Sujay Chakraborty
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Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant passed away on Sunday night after the helicopter he was travelling in, crashed and burst into flames in Calabasas, 48 km north-west of Los Angeles. The 41-year-old was said to be travelling on his private chopper when it went down and a fire broke out. Although emergency personnel responded to the scene, none of the people on board survived. Along with Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna Maria Onore Bryant and 8 other people including the pilot were killed in the accident. 

Also Read | Kobe Bryant's Daughter Gianna Bryant Also Killed In Devastating Helicopter Crash: Report

Kobe Bryant's sudden passing away has sent shock waves across the global sporting community, with tributes flooding on social media and during various matches and events held in the aftermath. Football star Neymar paid tribute to the 'Black Mamba' when he scored during Paris Saint-Germain's Ligue 1 clash against LOSC Lille. 

Also Read | LeBron James Passes Kobe Bryant For 3rd On All-time NBA Scoring List, But Sixers Top Lakers 108-91

Kobe Bryant dead: Neymar pays tribute

Also Read | Kobe Bryant Dead: NBA And Lakers Legend Killed In Tragic California Helicopter Crash

Neymar met Kobe Bryant during a training session with PSG in 2017. After scoring a penalty that secured a 2-0 victory for his side, Neymar held up ’24’ with his fingers as a tribute to Bryant’s jersey number for the Lakers. Speaking to the Canal Plus after the match, Neymar revealed that he got the sad news during the half-time. The 27-year-old noted that he knew Bryant in person and the celebration was for him. 

'This is a time of immense sadness for the world of sport. Not just basketball fans. I  knew him. This celebration was for him. I hope he rests in peace.’ - Neymar

Also Read | US President Donald Trump, His Family, Offers Condolences Over Kobe Bryant's Death

08:41 IST, January 27th 2020