Major League Soccer players took to Twitter to express their shock and sadness at the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

The 41-year-old was killed in a helicopter crash Sunday in the Los Angeles area, along with his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others.

Major League Soccer mourns the loss of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and all of the victims of today’s tragic accident. We are devastated by this news, and extend our condolences to the Bryant family and the families and friends of everyone involved. pic.twitter.com/iwEzfPiv8z — Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 26, 2020

Bryant, who spent a half-dozen years as a child in Italy, where his father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant played after an eight-year NBA career, was a noted soccer fan, supporting AC Milan, and later, FC Barcelona. He also attended the LA Galaxy's MLS Cup 2012 win and more recently was a part of an event on Jan. 15 unveiling the league's partnership with BODYARMOR:

Among the MLS players joining Bryant that day was Philadelphia Union captain Alejandro Bedoya, who tweeted his shock when hearing the news.

I’m shook right now. Just so tragic and sad. 😢 🙏 — Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) January 26, 2020

Bedoya’s sentiments were echoed by numerous current and former MLS players, clubs and owners, and around the soccer world:

Kobe Bryant you’re an angel. RIP to you legend. So kind and had time for everyone. The epitome of class and hard work. An Idol. Prayers to his family. 🙏🏿 — Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) January 26, 2020

My condolences to Kobe‘s family and everyone involved in this tragedy. Still shocked about this sad news I received this morning

.

.

Mis condolencias a la familia de Kobe y a los involucrados en esta tragedia. https://t.co/xBZZz4JECV — Nicolas Lodeiro (@NicolasLodeiro) January 26, 2020

I still can’t believe the news. I’m very sorry about what happened. My condolences and best wishes to Kobe’s whole family. #RIPMAMBA 💔😔 — Chicharito Hernandez (@CH14_) January 26, 2020

Upon hearing the news following today's training session of Kobe Bryant's passing, #USMNT defender @TheWalkerZim spoke of the inspiration the basketball legend gave to those around the world. pic.twitter.com/WZW1ffuDdu — U.S. Soccer MNT (@USMNT) January 27, 2020

Wow .. RIP Kobe 🕊 pic.twitter.com/1RCGTNgfR9 — Samuel Piette (@samuelpiette) January 26, 2020

Tragic moment, a father and his daughter. Wishing the family strength and hope to get through this time. I truly, truly feel for them.



Thank you Kobe, you were an inspiration to us ALL. pic.twitter.com/whSrT3FRKB — Da Boy (@SLletget) January 26, 2020

This guy had a whole generation yelling “Kobe” whenever we shot something! Brought to us a whole new meaning of a killer mentality. This is painful https://t.co/dTNJMydQH1 — Derrick Etienne Jr 🇭🇹 (@detienne_10) January 26, 2020

Los Angeles has lost a legend.



We mourn the loss of Kobe, his daughter Gianna, and all the victims of today’s accident. Our thoughts are with the Bryant family and those impacted by this tragedy. pic.twitter.com/z91bcCOMlY — LAFC (@LAFC) January 27, 2020

The LA Galaxy are devastated and saddened by the news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy as we mourn with the city of Los Angeles and the global sports community. pic.twitter.com/JgmGBQQeQe — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 27, 2020

We honor the life and legacy of a legend 💜💛



Tonight we mourn the loss of Kobe & Gianna Bryant and the others affected by today’s tragic accident. #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/I8pPIZenQZ — Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) January 27, 2020

This is devastating. RIP 🐐 https://t.co/eDGP479PFs — Connor Lade (@clade5) January 26, 2020

Not Kobe man. 💔💔💔 This one hurts real bad man — Maurice Edu (@MauriceEdu) January 26, 2020

Another great has moved on and left nothing but legendary moments in sports. Condolences to all family and Friends. This is devastating news 🙏🏽

Rest well @kobebryant

Condolences all @lakers… https://t.co/oyX1Nxr6sU — DERO (@dwaynederosario) January 26, 2020

You’ve been an example for our generation R.I.P. Legend pic.twitter.com/m8Keded2Zs — Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) January 26, 2020

Horrible day 😢 My condolences to his wife and families 🙏🏼 #RIPKobeBryant pic.twitter.com/jXThPBspzk — Kaka (@KAKA) January 27, 2020

We love you forever. #8 #24🙏🏾❤️ — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 26, 2020

My heart is broken for Kobe and his family. I’ll never forget the battles but what I really admired was the father he was to his girls. Rest In Peace old friend with your angel Gianna 💔 — Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 26, 2020

Prayers to your family. RIP, Kobe. pic.twitter.com/pECClU9fMy — Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) January 26, 2020

Deeply saddened by the loss of Kobe, Gianna and the seven other passengers. Prayers and love to their family and friends. Every day is a blessing, every person a blessing. Kobe was an all time great competitor and sports legend. Gone far too soon. — Anthony Precourt (@APrecourt) January 27, 2020

The LA Galaxy are devastated and saddened by the news of the passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna. Our thoughts are with the families affected by this tragedy as we mourn with the city of Los Angeles and the global sports community. pic.twitter.com/JgmGBQQeQe — LA Galaxy (@LAGalaxy) January 27, 2020

"Truly devastated and at a loss for words."



The shock and grief of Kobe Bryant's death stretched to Orlando this morning, where the Lions shared a moment of silence before training.https://t.co/vAEpW1PmfF — Julia Poe (@jpoe24601) January 27, 2020

We have no words to express how shocked we are to hear of the tragic passing of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time and Rossonero fan, Kobe Bryant. All our thoughts are with the families of those affected by this tragic accident. You will forever be missed, Kobe 🙏❤️🖤 pic.twitter.com/FOd365chEL — AC Milan (@acmilan) January 26, 2020

Shocked by the death of @KobeBryant, an exemplary athlete both on and off the basketball court. Our most heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wGhF4xouVL — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) January 26, 2020