Kobe Bryant is popular for his outstanding basketball skills and his keen interest in all things that inspire people around him. But there are various layers to the NBA legend that not many know about. While Kobe valued excellence and resilience in his relentless path to greatness, the Black Mamba had a side to him that was completely different from what the fans saw on the court.
The extent of Kobe’s caring side for his fans knew no boundaries and he showed it in the best way possible when he met a young cancer patient.
When Kobe Bryant gifted cancer patient Cristiano Ronaldo’s signed jersey
Kobe Bryant once received a request from a nurse, Amber Chavez, to visit a cancer patient named Jorge, whom Amber assumed to be a Bryant fan. The 5-time NBA champion couldn’t turn it down and when he visited the patient, Chavez was amused by Jorge’s reaction.
Amber entered Jorge’s room along with the Lakers great and said, “Jorge! Look who’s here to visit you!” But surprisingly, Jorge had no idea who Kobe was, as he did not follow basketball. It should be noted that Kobe is one of the most influential and well-known names in the field of sports. Kobe smiled and asked the young boy what sport he liked to watch, rather than taking offense at his directness.
When Kobe discovered that Jorge liked Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, the Mamba said, “Oh my gosh! He’s my good friend. I can get you a signed jersey! Would you like that?”. Kobe got a signed CR7 jersey for the young soccer fan and with that, Kobe made a memory for Jorge that he’d never forget.
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Did Kobe have a friendship with Ronaldo?
While talking to the cancer patient, Kobe Bryant revealed that he was friends with the soccer great Cristiano Ronaldo.
Growing up in Italy, he played soccer and confessed on multiple occasions that he liked the sport with all his passion. The AC Milan fan had made acquaintances with some of the soccer icons, like Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr. and so on.
When the whole world mourned the loss of the NBA legend, his “friend” Cristiano Ronaldo was no different. He shared a post on his Instagram handle paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant saying that he was heartbroken by the news and acknowledging the inspirational legend that Kobe was.
Though Kobe Bryant tragically passed away in 2020 alongside his loving daughter Gianna, these moments will live forever, carrying his unmatched legacy.
Also Read: Ex-NBA Champion Reveals Kobe Bryant’s Hot Take on Michael Jordan While Travelling in Lakers Bus
