logo
Barcelona pay tribute to Kobe Bryant with jersey featuring his logo

Barcelona pay tribute to Kobe Bryant with jersey featuring his logo

Spanish soccer club Barcelona is paying tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant with its second uniform launched Tuesday.
The five-time European champion said its new jersey will replace the usual Nike swoosh logo with the Kobe Sheath' the sword in the sheath logo that identifies the Kobe Bryant brand.
Barcelona said the club had a special relationship with Bryant, who died in a helicopter crash in Southern California in 2020. He made appearances alongside club members and first-team players during his visits to Barcelona and when the club visited the United States.
The shorts are black with Persian violet details and a textured snakeskin outline, a reference to the Black Mamba alter ego of Kobe, Barcelona said.
The change, made in collaboration with Nike, will last three seasons.
All in all, it is part of a brand collaboration between the NBA legend and FC Barcelona that is born out of a shared culture of sporting excellence that characterized Bryant and is also part of FC Barcelona's DNA, the club said.
This agreement aims to keep alive that notion of brotherhood and at the same time create a link between Kobe fans and FC Barcelona to make the global impact of the American's legacy even greater amongst the sporting community and fans.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

LeBron James' Heartfelt Nod to Luka Doncic's $165 Million Los Angeles Lakers Contract Extension: A Bond Built for Championship Success
LeBron James' Heartfelt Nod to Luka Doncic's $165 Million Los Angeles Lakers Contract Extension: A Bond Built for Championship Success

Time of India

timean hour ago

  • Time of India

LeBron James' Heartfelt Nod to Luka Doncic's $165 Million Los Angeles Lakers Contract Extension: A Bond Built for Championship Success

Luka Doncic opened up about LeBron James (Image via Instagram / @lukadoncic) When news surfaced that Luka Doncic had secured a monumental three-year, $165 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers , the NBA universe erupted. While the official press conference buzzed with Lakers executives, coaches, and teammates, one figure was notably absent: LeBron James . Speculation ran rampant, but what unfolded offstage revealed a touching moment of mutual respect between two of basketball's biggest stars. LeBron James Surprises Luka Doncic with a Personal FaceTime Congratulations Though neither LeBron nor his son, Bronny, attended the formal press event, LeBron found a special way to mark the occasion. Multiple NBA insiders, including renowned reporter Marc Stein, confirmed that on the morning of Luka Doncic 's extension signing, LeBron connected with him via FaceTime. This personal call, emblematic of LeBron's understated leadership and focus on nurturing team chemistry, served as a heartfelt congratulations from one superstar to another. 'LeBron and son Bronny James were noticeably not in attendance at the news conference, but I'm told that LeBron FaceTimed Dončić on Saturday morning to congratulate him on the new deal.' - NBA insider Marc Stein Los Angeles Lakers Teammates Celebrate Luka in Vegas as LeBron Shows Support Remotely LeBron James and Luka Doncic (Image via Getty) Even though LeBron James was not physically present at the press conference, the Los Angeles Lakers ensured that Luka experienced a celebration befitting his new contract. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo The Lakers organization, alongside head coach JJ Redick and several teammates, organized a memorable outing in Las Vegas that included a Backstreet Boys concert - one of Luka's favorite events. LeBron's gesture via FaceTime further cemented the message that there was complete unity and camaraderie among the team's elite. NBA analysts quickly dismissed any speculation of discord, emphasizing the deep mutual respect shared between the two leading figures. FaceTime Call Marks the Start of a New Era in Lakers Leadership For Los Angeles Lakers fans, LeBron James' FaceTime call symbolized much more than a simple congratulatory message—it marked the beginning of a new era in Los Angeles. As LeBron navigates the later stages of his storied career, he remains deeply committed to the team's evolution, which now prominently features Luka Doncic. After arriving in LA via a blockbuster trade earlier this season, the Slovenian phenom has rapidly risen to become the centerpiece of the franchise. Both players have frequently lauded each other in interviews, expressing a united drive to bring another championship to the Lakers. 'I'm really grateful to the Lakers organization, my teammates and the fans for welcoming me and my family with so much support and kindness since day one…I truly believe in what we're building together.' - Luka Doncic Los Angeles Lakers' Future Hinges on LeBron-Luka Chemistry and Championship Drive • LeBron James' Continued Leadership: With his player option for the 2025-26 season exercised, LeBron is set to share the court with Luka for at least one more season, infusing the team with invaluable playoff experience and leadership. • Enhanced Team Chemistry: Despite only having played 23 games together last season, LeBron and Luka displayed remarkable on-court synergy, a factor that has been highly praised by teammates and coaching staff alike. • Luka's Championship Vision: By signing the extension, Luka Doncic reinforced his commitment to pursuing championships in Los Angeles. His declaration, 'We're going to go for it,' underscores his role as the club's new cornerstone. How Moments Like This Reflect the Los Angeles Lakers' Culture of Brotherhood In a city famed for its blend of entertainment and sports, the intertwining of team business with pop culture moments is only natural. Lakers fans now have more than just action-packed highlights; they gain an insider's view of the relationships that make this franchise legendary. Whether it's a backstage handshake or a supportive FaceTime conversation about championship dreams, the bond between Luka and LeBron exemplifies what fans love most about the game: genuine passion, deep respect, and an unwavering quest for greatness. Also read: What Stephen A. Smith Had to Say About Luka Doncic's $165 Million Los Angeles Lakers Extension As the Los Angeles Lakers set their sights on what could be another historic season, the message is clear - the torch is being passed with care, respect, and undeniable star power. Thanks to a simple yet profound FaceTime call, the future of Lakers basketball shines with both on-court prowess and off-court camaraderie. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

How was Luka Doncic surprised by the Los Angeles Lakers? NBA pro celebrates $165M deal in Las Vegas with favorite band
How was Luka Doncic surprised by the Los Angeles Lakers? NBA pro celebrates $165M deal in Las Vegas with favorite band

Time of India

time2 hours ago

  • Time of India

How was Luka Doncic surprised by the Los Angeles Lakers? NBA pro celebrates $165M deal in Las Vegas with favorite band

Luka Doncic recently met the Backstreet Boys (Image via Instagram / @lukadoncic) The Los Angeles star Luka Doncic recently signed a three-year and $165 million extension with the team. So, he will stay with the purple and gold through at least 2028. Following that, he had a night out in Las Vegas. There, he celebrated the extension with his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys. Some of his teammates, who were also at the concert, surprised him there as well. Luka Doncic even met them backstage as the band posted the encounter on their official Instagram page. Luka Doncic celebrates Los Angeles Lakers extension with VIP Backstreet Boys concert surprise in Las Vegas Superstar Luka Doncic's contract has been extended for three more seasons by the Los Angeles Lakers . The squad gave him another heartfelt surprise shortly after the deal. He later disclosed that he was unaware of the surprise his teammates had planned for him. It turns out that the surprise was a concert by the Backstreet Boys at the Sphere in Las Vegas. The NBA pro was taken by his L.A. Lakers teammates to see his favorite boy band, the Backstreet Boys, perform live in Las Vegas. According to the Pro Football Network, the team's General Manager Rob Pelinka and Head Coach JJ Redick organized the surprise party. They also sent the 25-year-old player to the Sphere in Las Vegas to see the legendary pop band perform. The celebration of Luka Doncic's new deal will undoubtedly be unforgettable as he has already stated in public that the Backstreet Boys is his favorite boy band. He once admitted to ESPN's Malika Andrews to being a lifetime fan of the band. The L.A. Lakers' players obviously took notice. According to the same source, the NBA player was also given a VIP experience at the concert after signing. It included backstage access and a photo opportunity with band member Brian Littrell. Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers (Image via Getty Images) The NBA icon and the singer appear to be addressing each other in the video, which the pop group shared to Instagram. The band wrote in the post's caption: 'A Backstreet Boy trying to talk to an NBA player at eye level.' On the other hand, after signing the L.A. Lakers, Luka Doncic now sets himself up for an even bigger deal in 2028 and avoids free agency next summer. Also read: Is Luka Dončić staying with the Los Angeles Lakers? Pro goes for a $165 million extension For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!

Osaka roars into WTA Montreal quarter-finals as Keys fights through
Osaka roars into WTA Montreal quarter-finals as Keys fights through

Hindustan Times

time2 hours ago

  • Hindustan Times

Osaka roars into WTA Montreal quarter-finals as Keys fights through

Australian Open champion Madison Keys saved two match points on the way to a three-set victory over Karolina Muchova to reach the WTA Canadian Open quarter-finals on Sunday as former world number one Naomi Osaka roared into the last eight. Osaka roars into WTA Montreal quarter-finals as Keys fights through Keys saved two match points on her own serve in the 10th game of the third set, striping a forehand on the first and escaping the second as Czech Muchova misfired on a service return. The American emerged with a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory her third of the season that included saving a match point. "I'm really happy to get that win," Keys told the crowd in Montreal. "After losing the first set and even being match point down, being able to figure it out it's always a great day." Osaka had no need of heroics as she blew past Anastasija Sevastova 6-1, 6-0 in just 49 minutes. The four-time Grand Slam champion from Japan notched the second-quickest tour-level win of her career, after a 42-minute 6-1, 6-1 rout of Ana Sofia Sanchez in the first round at Florianopolis back in 2016. The dominant victory also marked the first time Osaka has conceded just one game or fewer in a completed match since a 6-1, 6-0 victory over Danielle Collins at Beijing in 2018. Perhaps more importantly, it's the first time Osaka has reached the last eight of a 1000 level event or Grand Slam since Doha in 2024. Osaka did not play in 2023 after the birth of her daughter and has struggled for consistency since returning to the game a year ago. She fell in the first round of the French Open and the third round at Wimbledon this year and arrived in Montreal ranked 49th in the world. But she has shaken things up this week, announcing she was parting with coach Patrick Mouratoglou after less than a year and immediately getting to work with Poland's Tomasz Wiktorowski former coach of Iga Swiatek. "I had a solid plan coming in here and it just happened to work out pretty well," Osaka said of her dominant performance against Sevastova, a former world number 11 also on the comeback trail after maternity leave who had beaten two-time defending champion Jessica Pegula in the third round. Osaka will face either American Amanda Anisimova or Ukraine's Elina Svitolina for a semi-final berth. Anismimova is playing her first tournament since a runner-up finish to Swiatek at Wimbledon, where she admitted she was overwhelmed by nerves in a 6-0, 6-0 loss to the Polish star in the final. Keys, who won 10 of the last 12 points of her match, will face the winner of the first night match between second-seeded Swiatek and Denmark's Clara Tauson. bb/js This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store