Footballers around the world took to Twitter to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela who passed away aged 95 in South Africa on December 5.
Mandela, also known as Madiba, led South Africa out of apartheid and became the nation's first black president in 1994 and changed the lives of many people in his homeland and round the world.
Below are a collection of Tweets from players and clubs wanting to praise Mandela for the work he did during his celebrated life.
RIP Madiba
Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You"ll always stay with us. pic.twitter.com/IA72uYB6N4
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 5, 2013
2010WorldCup is in my heart.As other incredible things,it would never happened without @NelsonMandela Thanks #Madibapic.twitter.com/OfuKzGjIsB
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique) 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
RIP #NelsonMandela / #Madiba - the true inspiration.
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) December 5, 2013
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
Visit the @SouthAfricaLFC timeline to read tributes to Nelson Mandela from Liverpool FC stars - past and present
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 6, 2013R.I.P Nelson Mandela (Madiba) u changed the World pic.twitter.com/8BEMl73ruI
— Jerome Boateng (@JB17Official) December 6, 2013
"The brave man is not the one who has no fears, he is the one who triumphs over his fears" Today the world lost a Great Man, True Hero
— Stiliyan Petrov (@StanPetrov19) December 6, 2013
and inspiration to millions! RIP Nelson Mandela
— Stiliyan Petrov (@StanPetrov19) December 6, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela..
— Jores Okore (@JoresOkore) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela Long Walk to Freedom #legend#inspirational#madibapic.twitter.com/dGIHwrDipa
— Salomon Kalou (@Skalhuno) December 5, 2013
John Barnes on Nelson Mandela https://t.co/XJSjWxhVQnpic.twitter.com/nmXx9ly0YK
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 5, 2013West Ham United are deeply saddened by the loss of a great human being this evening. RIP Nelson Mandela
— West Ham United FC (@whufc_official) December 5, 2013
He was huge influence, he left his legacy he left his mark his grace and courage changed the world #Madibarestinpeacepic.twitter.com/153hrpx7bU
— Johan Djourou (@JohanDjourou) December 5, 2013
Such a contrast to the British people around the death of Thatcher. #Mandela#inspirationpic.twitter.com/Axq6lS6F96
— Joseph Barton (@Joey7Barton) December 5, 2013
RIP Nelson Mandela, was an honor to have met you! #RIPNelsonMandelahttp://t.co/4mKzx66QXr
— brad guzan (@bguzan) 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
You changed the world. You may be gone but your words of wisdom will live on forever. #RIPMrNelsonMandela#Heropic.twitter.com/jR7OMYCJ1J
— Ashley Cole (@TheRealAC3) December 5, 2013Rest in peace Nelson Mandela!! pic.twitter.com/GXvh92FGWw
— Pepe Reina (@PReina25) 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
Still can't believe it MADIBA is gone
— Steven Pienaar (@therealstevenpi) December 5, 2013
it was an honour to meet him..fue todo un honor poder conocerle.. pic.twitter.com/w4QsWFJ7zx
— javier garrido (@javiergerr) December 5, 2013
