The loss of Nelson Mandela has certainly hit cultures all across the world hard.
The soccer universe isn’t any exception, and a number of people from across the soccer world have reacted to the passing of the legendary South African figure.
USMNT member Alejandro Bedoya was particularly touched by the chance to meet the inspirational figure, and made a mention of it on social media.
Bedoya posted a picture of the United States team surrounding Mandela from the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Former manager Bob Bradley is in the picture, among Bedoya and the rest of that year’s USMNT.
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Manchester United star Robin van Persie also took to the interwebs to state his thanks for the man’s accomplishments and sacrifices.
An inspiration to all of us. RIP Nelson Mandela. Thank you for everything you have done! pic.twitter.com/XJnb4xG4L0
— Robin van Persie (@Persie_Official) December 6, 2013
Legendary ex-manager Sir Alex Ferguson also once met Mr. Mandela, and although he has not spoken publicly since the South African’s passing at 95 years old, but he did reflect last year at a birthday event.
“When he spoke in Monaco after we won the Treble, honestly, the hairs on the back of my neck were standing up,” said Ferguson. “The speech he made was unbelievable. The impact he has made in South Africa is huge. The thing that strikes me most of all is that there’s no bitterness about him, despite what he endured and suffered.”