In a heartwarming moment that captivated fans, Vanessa Bryant recently shared an emotional reunion with Canadian-American soccer star Sydney Leroux on Instagram. The touching post featured a video of Leroux embracing the Bryant family, alongside a photo of them all together.
Vanessa’s caption read, “I love you @sydneyleroux !!!! My badass sis!!! #2 Legend,” highlighting the deep bond they share. Leroux responded with, “Love you guys sooo much!!!!!”
This connection dates back to 2013 when Leroux first met Kobe Bryant and his family amidst facing racial slurs for playing for the US rather than Canada. Kobe, an avid soccer fan, developed a close relationship with Leroux, who also became a mentor to his daughter, Gigi Bryant. The admiration was mutual, with Gigi idolizing Leroux to the extent that her jersey number, 2, was inspired by the soccer star.
Leroux’s strong bond with the Bryants
Leroux’s bond with the Bryants was deeply personal. In a poignant Instagram post following Kobe and Gigi’s tragic passing, Leroux shared a touching message that Kobe had once conveyed about Gigi. “Gigi, you were a star. Your dad told me that you were going to be better than he was,” Leroux wrote.
The post further expressed her belief that Gigi was in a better place, smiling down on her family. “2 will always be ours,” she added, paying tribute to their shared jersey number.
To honor Gigi, Leroux has a tattoo of the number 2 in Gigi’s jersey font. Her tribute to Kobe included thanking him for believing in her and supporting her through good and bad times. Leroux reminisced about Kobe’s guidance, from his book recommendations to his life lessons.
“For your crazy book recommendations and your quotes… helping me write… teaching me to never soften for anybody… teaching me about the darkness and the light and the villains becoming the heroes,” she wrote.
The Bryant and Leroux families reunited again.
Vanessa is a Sydney fan
Vanessa’s recent Instagram post is a testament to the lasting bond between the Bryant family and Leroux. Another example of their close relationship was when Vanessa and her daughters traveled to watch Leroux’s game in March, showcasing their unwavering support.
Kobe Bryant’s legacy transcends basketball, leaving an indelible mark on those who knew him. His relationship with Leroux is a shining example of his profound impact. The reunion shared by Vanessa Bryant serves as a beautiful reminder of the enduring connections Kobe and Gigi created in their lifetimes.