© EuroFootball.com
On December 5, the world was shocked by the news of the death of human rights fighter Nelson Mandela. The first black president of the Republic of South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and one of the most respected politicians in the world. N. Mandela was active in the football community, so many world football players expressed their condolences on the social network Twitter.
It is believed that FIFA will somehow honor N. Mandela's memory during the draw ceremony of the world football championship taking place on Friday. It was N. Mandela who was one of the initiators of hosting the previous world football championship in the Republic of South Africa. It was the first such event on the African continent, and N. Mandela himself made his last public appearance during the closing ceremony of this tournament in 2010.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed his admiration for N. Mandela: "During this time of great mourning, I express my respect for one of the greatest humanitarians in world history and my good friend - Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He shares with me the belief that football has an extraordinary power to unite people in peace and friendship.
Respect is shown by football players all over the world
"A hero is someone who has sacrificed his life for someone more than himself... The world lost a hero, Africa lost a father. Rest in peace, Mandela," - Ivory Coast footballer Yaya Toure.
"Let us all continue his work and respect his legacy with purpose and passion," - Pele.
"Thank you, Madiba, for your legacy and your example. You will always be with us," - Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo.
"The 2010 World Cup is in my heart. It would never have happened without Nelson Mandela. Thank you," - Spanish Gerard Pique.
"Nelson Mandela, the most inspiring leader of all time. His legacy will be with us for many ages. Rest in peace," - Togo footballer Emmanuel Adebayor.
"Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela. No words can describe the goodness you brought to this world. It's sad to see you go. My only hero," - Belgian Vincent Kompany.
"It was an honor to know you. May your soul rest in peace," - Ghana's Asamoah Gyan.
"One of the most wonderful people in the world and the most wonderful in our continent. Rest in peace, Nelson Mandela," - Ghana's André Ayew.
"Rest in peace. A man of great inspiration. Lived once, but his legacy will live on for eternity," - British Michael Carrick.
