Queen Elizabeth II dies: Global sports stars, teams, players and athletes among those to pay tribute

Peter Marshall ,
Joe Wright
• 8 min read
Queen Elizabeth II died on September 8, 2022
Sporting News/Ben Stansall - WPA Pool /Getty Images

Queen Elizabeth II, the UK's longest-serving monarch, has died aged 96. Sports stars from around the world have been among those paying tribute to her.

The Queen, who had served as the head of the British royal family for over 70 years since ascending the throne in 1952, died on Thursday — with the news announced in an official statement from Buckingham Palace.

Throughout her life she was deeply associated with the sporting world. From one of her long-held passions, horse racing — where she owned and nurtured a string of successful horses and attended the Royal Ascot meeting religiously until ill health prevented her — to her role in the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympics, sport was a consistent thread through her period of rule.

It's therefore little surprise that sports stars, teams, athletes and players have been keen to offer messages of respect and condolence.

MORE: Has football been cancelled after the Queen's death? Full list of sports and fixtures postponed

'Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life'

The news of the Queen's passing was announced less than 90 minutes before Manchester United's UEFA Europa League match against Real Sociedad was due to kick off. The club confirmed that, in agreement with the Football Association (FA) and UEFA, the game would go ahead, with a minute's silence preceding kickoff, flags flown at half-mast at Old Trafford, and players wearing black armbands.

"Manchester United shares the sorrow of the entire nation following the announcement from Buckingham Palace on the passing of Her Majesty, The Queen," the club said.

"The club recognises her immense contribution to public life, including sport, both here in the United Kingdom, across the Commonwealth, and around the world.

"Everyone connected with Manchester United joins the wider football family in sending our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to The Royal Family."

United's Premier League rivals Liverpool later said via Twitter that they were "saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II", adding: "We extend our sincere condolences to The Royal Family."

Cristiano Ronaldo said he had "felt the everlasting love of the UK for its Queen" during his time at Old Trafford and mourned an "irreplaceable loss".

Some of the UK's biggest names in sport offered their own tributes. Former England striker Gary Lineker described the Queen as "a truly remarkable woman who served her country with dignity, loyalty and grace", adding that she was "a comforting ever present 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 was an amazing inspiration and will be remembered for her incredible years of service to this country. Rest in peace, Your Majesty." International teammate and Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling said on Instagram: "My deepest condolences to the Royal Family at this incredibly sad time."

Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Mo Farah posted a picture on Twitter of the day on which he received his knighthood. He said: "My condolences to the Royal Family at this very sad time. The Queen was loved all over the world and meant so much to so many. Meeting her was one of the greatest honours of my life. We will remember her for her warmth and dedication to the British people throughout her reign."

'Her Majesty was an advocate for our national sport'

The Premier League put a statement on Twitter before ceasing social media posting. It said: "The Premier League is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen, Elizabeth II. Our thoughts and condolences are with The Royal Family and everyone around the world mourning the loss of Her Majesty."

Rick Parry, the Chair of the EFL, spoke warmly about Queen Elizabeth's connection to football in the UK, most notable when she presented the World Cup trophy to England captain Bobby Moore at Wembley in 1966.

"The Queen had a keen interest in sport including football. Her Majesty attended numerous FA Cup Finals throughout her reign and was an advocate for our national sport through her many years of service," he said.

"The Monarch was at Wembley Stadium in 1966 for perhaps our national game's most famous moment to present captain Bobby Moore with the Jules Rimet Trophy after England beat West Germany to win the World Cup.  

 "On behalf of the League and its Clubs, we join the rest of the nation and people across the world in mourning the passing of our Queen, Elizabeth II.  

 "The thoughts of everybody at the EFL and our Clubs are with the Royal Family at this sad time for our country."

Scott Lloyd, the chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, said of the Queen: "She was universally admired and respected throughout the country and supported many charities and organisations unstintingly.

"She graciously gave up her time to open our own National Tennis Centre at Roehampton and meet our British players in 2007. Her loss will be felt across the country and throughout the Commonwealth."

Roma head coach Jose Mourinho, who has spent much of the past 15 years in England as manager of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham, said to Sky Sport Italia: "I'm very sorry. I'm not a foreigner in England; it's my home. My family has lived there for years.

"I don't think there is anyone who doesn't appreciate this great lady."

'Her legacy will last forever'

Tyson Fury set aside his public calls for Anthony Joshua to accept his challenge for a British heavyweight fight to post on Twitter: "Thoughts & prayers with my Queen tonight, may God be with you". Joshua retweeted the official announcement from Buckingham Palace 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 happy I was receiving my MBE from her majesty the Queen after I won my gold medal at the London 2012 Olympics."

Formula One rising star George Russell said the Queen's "devotion to our country and her gracious leadership were inspirational to so 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 admired her service to our country for seven decades."

The great former Brazil star Pele said he had been "a great admirer" of the monarch since meeting her at the Maracana in 1968, when she and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh attended a match between the all-stars of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Pele said: "Her deeds have marked generations. This legacy will last forever."

Author(s)
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Peter Marshall
Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.
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Joe Wright
Joe is a Senior Editor at Sporting News.
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