Final Goodbye: Nelson Mandela with 10 sporting legends

9) Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal star player Cristiano Ronaldo poses with Nelson Mandela at his home in Houghton on June 9, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The Portuguese football star met Mandela in 2010. Ronaldo was personally invited by the former South African leader to visit him at his home in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Real Madrid forward presented Madiba — as he is affectionately known to South Africans — with a Portugal replica jersey with the No. 91, alluding to his age at that time. The Portuguese captain tweeted his reaction of his death, “Thankful Madiba for your legacy and your example. You”ll always stay with us.”