Basketball is not the only sport that the US has reigned supreme over. FIFA, the organizing body behind the Soccer World Cup, established the Women’s WC in 1991. In the 8 tournaments since then, the United States Women’s team has won it all in 4. That level of international dominance is unmatched in the global sport of soccer. It lent the US Women’s team notoriety for their greatness. In fact, they were expected to compete to the very end this year too. But alas, the finals featured Spain and England instead. As you can imagine, this gave the Spaniard Pau Gasol a cause to celebrate.

The NBA, becoming increasingly, has hosted several stars from Europe. One of them was the Spanish superstar. He won multiple NBA championships alongside Kobe Bryant in the city of Angels. And the 7-footer wasn’t able to contain his excitement as he lauded the Spanish soccer team with praise.

Pau Gasol expresses his excitement over national team success

The Spaniard was part of the latest class of Hall of Fame inductees. Gasol rightfully claimed his place among the basketball elite earlier this month. But August had more surprises in store for the two-time champion. After all, the Spanish soccer team created history recently.

The women’s soccer side of Spain beat their formidable English opponents in the final and brought glory to the nation of over 40 million.

Subsequently, the Women’s team got their hands on their first-ever world cup in the history of the game. Pau Gasol congratulated the team on his social media handle. He wrote, “Campeonas del mundo,” which translates to World Champions.

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The recent victory of Spain in the world cup once again proved the brilliance of Spanish football in general.

Gasol has famously shared the stage with the late great Kobe Bryant. During his induction into the Naismith Memorial, Kobe’s wife Vanessa Bryant had some encouraging words for the Los Angeles Lakers great.

Vanessa Bryant acknowledges her brother

Kobe and Gasol shared the basketball court for years. They were one of the most feared duos in the NBA during their tenure and became very close friends after their retirement.

Vanessa honored the bond shared by the basketball legends by being present on Gasol’s big day. Pau Gasol, during his Hall of Fame induction speech, acknowledged Mrs. Bryant. He said, “Thank you, Vanessa, for being here tonight. Proud to be your brother.” 

It’s quite evident that Pau and Kobe’s family share a special bond with each other.  Vanessa on her social media handle wrote,  “Congratulations on your #HOF induction, brother @paugasol.”

It’s heartwarming to see the Mamba live on through his friends and family.

WATCH THIS STORY: Vanessa Bryant’s journey of keeping Kobe Bryant’s legacy alive.