Queen Elizabeth II, the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch, has died aged 96. Sports stars from around the world were some of the people who paid tribute to him.
The Queen, who has been the head of the British royal family for more than 70 years since he ascended the throne in 1952, he died this Thursdayand the news was announced with an official announcement from Buckingham Palace.
Throughout his life he was closely connected with the world of sports. From one of her great passions, horse racing – where she owned and cared for many successful horses and attended the Royal Ascot meeting religiously until ill health prevented her – to her role in the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics, sports was a constant thread throughout his tenure.
Today we celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II and her love of horse racing. Her 2007 visit to the Kentucky Derby is one of our favorites #kyderby memories. pic.twitter.com/z0L7u8tdC8
—Kentucky Derby (@KentuckyDerby) September 8, 2022
So it’s no surprise that sports stars, teams, athletes and players wanted to offer messages of respect and condolences.
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“Meeting her was one of the greatest honors of my life”
The news of the Queen’s death was announced less than 90 minutes before the start of Manchester United’s UEFA Europa League match with Real Sociedad. The club have confirmed that, in agreement with the Football Association (FA) and UEFA, the match will go ahead, with a minute’s silence before kick-off, flags flying at half-mast at Old Trafford and players wearing black armbands.
“Manchester United shares the sadness of the entire nation following Buckingham’s announcement of the death of Her Majesty The Queen,” the club said.
“The club recognizes his enormous contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the UK and the Commonwealth and around the world.
“Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.”
Manchester United share the grief of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace of the death of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II. pic.twitter.com/QwLRZ9z4yf
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) September 8, 2022
United’s Premier League rivals Liverpool later said on Twitter that they were “saddened by the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II”, adding: “Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family.”
Liverpool Football Club is saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Our sincere condolences to the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/B0ceXcaoW0
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 8, 2022
Some of the biggest names in British sport offered their own tributes. Former England striker Gary Lineker described the Queen as “a truly extraordinary woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace”, adding that she was “an ever-present comfort in the lives of most of us”.
Tottenham Hotspur and England striker Harry Kane said: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this very difficult time. The Queen has been an incredible inspiration and she will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace. Greatness.” His team-mate and Chelsea striker Raheem Sterling said on Instagram: “My deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time.”
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Mo Farah posted a photo on Twitter from the day he was knighted. He said: “My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. The Queen was much loved around the world and meant so much to so many. Knowing her was one of the greatest honors of my life. She will be remembered for her warmth and devotion to the people.” Britons throughout his reign.
My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. The Queen was loved around the world and meant so much to so many. Meeting her was one of the greatest honors of my life. She will be remembered for her warmth and devotion to the British people throughout her reign. pic.twitter.com/TybbYku1Vl
— Sir Mo Farah (@Mo_Farah) September 8, 2022
“Her Majesty was a champion of our national sport”
The Premier League released a statement on Twitter earlier stop posting on social media. He said: “The Premier League is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the Royal Family and all who mourn the loss of Her Majesty.”
EFL Chairman Rick Parry discussed Queen Elizabeth’s relationship with football in the UK, most notably when she presented the World Cup trophy to England captain Bobby Moore at Wembley in 1966.
Rest in peace Queen Elizabeth II 🕊️
We send our deepest condolences to @Royal family. pic.twitter.com/GqxtLovZXq
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) September 8, 2022
“The Queen had a keen interest in sport, including football. Her Majesty attended many FA Cup Finals throughout her reign and was a champion of our national sport throughout her many years of service.” he said.
“The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966, in our national sport’s most famous moment, to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rim trophy after England defeated West Germany to win the World Cup.
On behalf of the League and its clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people around the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II.”
“The thoughts of everyone at the EFL and our clubs are with the Royal Family at this very sad time for our country.”
Queen Elizabeth II: Obituarieshttps://t.co/gHV1VFC0Ai pic.twitter.com/GIfKSS5b7x
—EFL (@EFL) September 8, 2022
Scott Lloyd, chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), Britain’s tennis governing body, said of the Queen: “She was universally admired and respected across the country and supported many organizations and charities without sparing any effort. .
“He was kind enough to take time out to open our National Tennis Center in Roehampton and meet our British players in 2007. His loss will be felt across the country and across the Commonwealth.”
Roma boss Jose Mourinho, who has spent much of the last 15 years in England managing Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, told Sky Sport Italia: “I am very sorry. I am not a stranger to England, it is my home. My family has lived there for years.”
“I don’t think there is anyone who doesn’t appreciate this great lady.”
From Tyson Fury to George Russell and Pele: ‘His legacy will last forever’
Tyson Fury he put aside his public calls for Anthony Joshua to accept his challenge for a British heavyweight fight to post on Twitter: “Thoughts and prayers with my queen tonight, God be with you.” Joshua retweeted Buckingham Palace’s official announcement with a simple “Rest in Peace”.
Nicola Adams, who became the first female boxer to win an Olympic gold medal at the London Games in 2012, recalled: “I will never forget how delighted I was to receive my MBE from Her Majesty The Queen after winning my gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics.”
Formula 1 rising star George Russell said that “The Queen’s dedication to our country and her gracious leadership have been an inspiration to many generations of people in the UK and around the world.” The McLaren driver added: “My family and I send our deepest condolences to the royal family and to all those who have admired their service to our country over seven decades.”
The great former Brazilian star Pele said it was “a big fan” of the monarch since he met her at the Maracanã in 1968, when she and her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, watched a match between the stars of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.
Pele said: “His achievements have marked many generations. This legacy will last forever.”
I have been a big fan of Queen Elizabeth II since the first time I saw her in person, in 1968, when she came to Brazil to witness our love of football and experience the magic of a packed Maracanã.
His actions have marked generations. This legacy will last forever. pic.twitter.com/13xyilesGT
— Pele (@Pele) September 8, 2022
