“MF Can Speak 9 Languages”: Dwyane Wade Reveals How Kobe Bryant’s Global Fame Humbled Him Forever

Dwyane Wade has been around legends undoubtedly. From sharing the court with LeBron James to battling the fiercest competitors in NBA History, he has seen it all. But every now and then, even the greats have certain moments that make them step back and say, damn, this is different.

For Dwyane Wade, one of these moments came during the 2008 Olympics. It was not about a game-winning shot, a jaw-dropping dunk, or even one of Kobe Bryant’s signature Mamba Mentality moments on the court. Rather, it was something else, something that had nothing to do with basketball, but everything that had to do with Kobe as a person.

During the 2008 trip to China, D-Wade recalled that walking with Kobe was an eye-opener. While on his YouTube channel podcast, he recounted, “First of all, you thought you were famous, until you went to China with Kobe.” “Nobody gave a f**k about you,” just reiterating the status of Kobe as a global icon.

Then he added his experience in the Olympic Village; he said, “We were in the Olympic Village, cause Kobe wanted to make sure we touched the people, wanted to make sure we wasn’t separated from the other athletes,” Dwade continued, “This is when I realised he was at a different level than I….This motherf***er could speak 9 different languages, he spoke to everybody in their native tongue.” It was one of those moments where Wade fully grasped how far Kobe’s global reach extended and felt that there were levels to superstardom. 

Kobe wasn’t just a basketball player; he was an ambassador of the game, a student of culture, and a man who connected with people on a whole different level. Kobe Bryant was a man who embraced the world beyond the game. Shaped by his upbringing, his insatiable curiosity, and his connection to cultures, ran deep.

Kobe Bryant: A Man Of Many Cultures

It had all begun in Italy, where Kobe spent a significant part of his childhood, where his father, Joe Bryant, played professional basketball overseas. While most of the children his age were busy playing video games or watching cartoons, young Kobe was busy learning Italian fluently, embracing the country’s culture and playing soccer with the local kids. By the time he returned to the United States as a teenager, he was not just bilingual; he possessed a worldview that extended far beyond what the typical American athlete had.

But Kobe, being himself, did not stop there. As his NBA career took flight, so did his interest in learning new languages. Whether it was Spanish, French, or even Mandarin, he made an effort to communicate with individuals in their native language. And it wasn’t just for show, it was a reflection of his deep respect for different cultures.

During Kobe’s visits to China, Kobe would often interact with fans and players in Mandarin, as recounted by D-Wade, further cementing his status as a global ambassador of the sport. He connected with his Spanish speaking teammates, most notably with Pau Gasol who is the godfather to his children. He also held conversations in French and even picked up a bit of Serbian to speak with his European counterparts.

For Kobe, language wasn’t just a tool—it was a bridge. It allowed him to connect with people on a level few athletes ever could, making him not just a basketball legend, but a true citizen of the world. Also, it wasn’t just about his skill on the court; it was his discipline, his curiosity, and his ability to make the world feel seen.