In terms of basketball, Kobe Bryant wasn’t just a player, he was a machine. Early mornings, late nights, and tireless repetition shaped his iconic career. Whether perfecting footwork in an empty gym or analyzing game tapes deep into the night, Bryant’s drive set him apart. Yet, here’s the twist—basketball wasn’t his first love. If you think you’ve got him figured out, think again.

Surprisingly, it was soccer that captured Kobe’s heart. While basketball fans worshipped him on the hardwood, the Black Mamba’s mind was often elsewhere—on soccer fields and international pitches. Back when soccer was still finding its footing in the U.S., Bryant proudly sported his love for the beautiful game. He was already a passionate fan long before Major League Soccer gained traction in the mid-’90s, proving his connection ran far deeper than casual fandom.

But what lit the spark for soccer in a future NBA great? It all started in Italy, where six-year-old Kobe arrived after his father, Joe Bryant, decided to continue his basketball career overseas. Immersed in Italian culture, young Kobe quickly juggled two worlds—basketball on one side and soccer on the other. His lanky frame initially made him a natural goalkeeper, but it didn’t take long for him to flourish as a midfielder.

By the time he suited up for Cantine Riunite’s youth team, Bryant wasn’t just playing—he was speaking fluent Italian and soaking in lessons that would later shape his basketball IQ.

“I loved how fast the game moved, how you had to see two steps ahead,” Kobe once said about soccer. He credited the sport with sharpening his decision-making and ability to read plays. “Playing in triangles, utilizing space—it all tied back to basketball for me.”

Even his childhood teammate, Davide Giudici, recognized his rare talent early on. “At 11, he already knew he was destined for greatness,” Giudici told CNN. Ultimately, it was Philadelphia’s hardwood that claimed him—but it’s clear that soccer left an indelible mark on him.

Kobe Bryant’s love for soccer

Kobe Bryant never let his passion for soccer fade, even if he played basketball. The Black Mamba was an exception in an era when basketball players rarely voiced such connections. His bond with global soccer icons like Brazil’s Ronaldinho and Argentina’s Lionel Messi showed just how deep his love for the game ran. Over the years, his admiration for Messi and friendship with Ronaldinho gradually made him a proud Barcelona fan, adding a unique layer to his identity beyond the Lakers.

But Kobe didn’t just stop at admiring soccer from a distance. During the 2008 Summer Olympics, he made time to watch Argentina’s semifinal against Brazil, watching Messi in his element as Argentina dominated 3-0. Even though Kobe towered over the throng of fans at Beijing’s Workers’ Stadium, his genuine excitement stood out as he watched Messi work his magic under the lights. The game wasn’t the only highlight—Bryant took the opportunity to make his presence felt off the field too.

“At the Olympics, the cafeteria is always the best spot,” Kobe once shared. “You’ve got athletes from every sport and team in one place. We saw [Messi] with his team, so I just went up and sat with him. We talked Olympics, the game, everything. It was fun.”

Not only that, he can even rank soccer over basketball.

Soccer over Basketball?

While dominating the NBA and cementing his Lakers legacy, Bryant secretly loved the world’s most popular game. During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA.com asked him about his fandom. “I am actually [a huge fan],” he admitted. “I grew up in Italy. From the age of six to 14, I played soccer every day. It is actually my favorite sport.” Hearing the Black Mamba put soccer above basketball? Now that’s something to process.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Bryant shared his soccer memories. In 2006, he told Luis Arroyave of the Chicago Tribune about his days playing in Italy. “I wasn’t anything spectacular,” Kobe confessed. “I would have moments of doing something crazy that really wasn’t done on purpose, I’d pull off a nice move that was unintentional.” Despite his modesty, his skills likely stood out—just not like his basketball fundamentals.

While living in Italy, Kobe juggled between basketball and soccer. Torn between his two passions, he refused to pick one over the other. As he got older, he stuck with hoops but remained a devoted soccer fan, often sharing insights, attending matches, and even showing off his footwork.

Growing up, Kobe supported AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A league and idolized Dutch legend Marco van Basten. “The Philadelphia-born Bryant, who speaks fluent Italian and Spanish, grew up supporting Serie A giants AC Milan,” reported CNN.com.

Now, imagine for a second: what if Kobe had pursued soccer instead? Would he have been just as dominant, or was basketball always his true destiny? Share your thoughts.