'The world lost a hero, Africa lost a father' - Football reacts to Mandela's death.

Players, clubs and officials take to Twitter to express their sorrow at the death of the former South African president, who passed away on Thursday

Footballers from across the world have expressed their sorrow at Nelson Mandela's death at the age of 95 on Thursday.

The former South African president witnessed his nation host the first-ever World Cup in Africa in 2010 and his passing will undoubtedly cast a shadow over Friday's group stage draw in Brazil.

Below is a selection of messages from players, clubs, coaches and officials from across the globe for Mandela.

"A hero is someone who has given his life for something bigger than oneself...The world lost a hero, Africa lost a father...RIP
Mandela"
— yaya toure (@Toure_yaya42)
December 5, 2013

"Still can't believe it MADIBA is gone"
— Steven Pienaar (@therealstevenpi)
December 5, 2013

"Let us all continue his legacy with purpose and passion".
— Pelé (@Pele)
December 5, 2013

"Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You"ll always stay with us".
pic.twitter.com/IA72uYB6N4
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano)
December 5, 2013

"My respects to an extraordinary person, probably one of the greatest humanists of our time: Nelson Mandela". http://
/0iLg06VUEU
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter)
December 5, 2013

"2010 WorldCup is in my heart.As other incredible things,it would never happened without @NelsonMandela Thanks" #Madibapic.twitter.com/
OfuKzGjIsB
— Gerard Piqué (@3gerardpique)
December 5, 2013

"Nelson Mandela the most amazing,inspirational leader of all time.Leaving a legacy which will be around 4centuries.RIP" pic.twitter.com/
ct1CgGTxMD
— Emmanuel Adebayor (@E_Adebayor)
December 5, 2013

"RIP Nelson Mandela. No words to describe the goodness you have brought to this world. Sad to see you go. Inspirational, my only ever hero".
— Vincent Kompany (@VincentKompany)
December 5, 2013

"I will always love you madiba! You were one my heros RIP
#legend#neverbeforgotten"
— Sebastien Bassong (@BassongOfficiel)
December 5, 2013

"It was an honour to meet you. May your soul rest in PEACE! #RIP#Africa#SA#greatman" http:///xkaHwWjasp
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3)
December 5, 2013

"One of the greatest man in the world and the greatest in our continent!! RIP Nelson MANDELA. MADIBA"
pic.twitter.com/LHYyNKPd5c
— André Ayew (@AyewAndre)
December 5, 2013

"RIP #NelsonMandela#Madiba A real inspiration. Lived once but his legacy lives forever".
— Michael Carrick (@carras16)
December 5, 2013

"Just heard sad news about Nelson Mandela at premiere of his film. A truly courageous & inspirational man. RIP #Mandela"
— Jermain Defoe (@IAmJermainDefoe)
December 5, 2013