Retired footballer David Beckham is one of many figures in the world of sport that have paid tribute to former South Africa president Nelson Mandela.
The anti-apartheid hero, who spent 27 years in prison on Robben Island, died last night at the age of 95 following a lengthy battle with illness.
As well as bringing freedom to many, Mandela was also involved in sport by playing a major role in winning the bid to host the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
"My heart goes out to the people in South Africa and Mr Mandela's family," BBC Sport quotes Beckham as saying. "We have lost a true gentleman and a courageous human being.
"It was truly an honour to have known a man who had genuine love for so many people. Rest in peace."
With tributes to Mandela flooding in on Twitter in the wake of his death, Sports Mole has selected a few from sporting figures.
