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Former US President Barack Obama and Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany are among those who have eulogized NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo who passed away on Monday.
Former US President Barack Obama and Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany are among those who have eulogized Congolese basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo was passed away on Monday.
NBA legend Mutombo died at the age of 58 after succumbing to brain cancer, leaving the sports fraternity in mourning.
“Dikembe Mutombo was an incredible basketball player – one of the best shot blockers and defensive players of all time. But he also inspired a generation of young people across Africa, and his work as the NBA’s first global ambassador changed the way athletes think about their impact off the court. Michelle and I are thinking of Dikembe’s family and everyone who knew and loved him,” Obama said in his tribute.
“Today a legend has passed away. Dikembe Mutombo was a legend of the game in the NBA and a legend of the Democratic Republic of Congo. He has inspired and given hope to an entire generation of young Congolese people all over the world. We grew up watching the NBA, because of him,” Kompany, whose parents migrated from DR Congo to Belgium posted on X.
“We took pride in our origins, because of him. He showed us that we could dream big and be successful. He showed us to cherish our roots. Not only in words, but also in action. The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation does immense humanitarian work in the DRC, focussing on improving health and quality of life. He will be missed. My thoughts go out to his family and loved ones. RIP.”
Mutombo played in the NBA from 1991-2009 before retiring as an eight-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year but he touched hearts beyond his sport not just for his humanitarian work but his personality.
He was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 2015 and after retiring, he focused on humanitarian work in Central Africa, especially in his native DR Congo.
“I’m so heartbroken to hear about the passing of my dear friend and basketball Hall of Famer, Dikembe Mutombo. He was not only a great basketball player who could protect the rim as an elite shot-blocker, but also an incredible man with a pure heart of gold,” said NBA legend Magic Johnson.
“He dedicated much of his life to serving others, which is evident through his lasting impact both in the US and in Africa. Through his foundation, he helped build a remarkable $29 million hospital in his home country of Congo, personally contributing $15 million to the project! As an NBA Global Ambassador and a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations, he received numerous well-deserved awards over the years for his humanitarian efforts.
“I will truly miss his big smile, his spirit, and his powerful voice. Cookie and I are keeping his wife Rose, his children, and the rest of his family in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri broke down in tears while eulogizing Mutombo.
"He made us who we are," Ujiri said, holding back tears. "That guy is a giant. Incredible person. Who are we without Dikembe Mutombo? Not possible."
Mutombo played for the Denver Nuggets, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, then-New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks.
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