RIP Nelson Mandela, his life through a football lens [Pictures]

As detailed in previous messages post, Nelson Mandela’s life was forever entwined with sport, and football in particular, from his days playing on Robben Island as a means of escapism, to his deft mediation of rugby post-apartheid, through to his ambassadorial football World Cup 2010.

Below are his most iconic football pictures, mostly from his later life when present-day players had the honour to meet him, showing his undying love for the game.

RIP Madiba.

culled: 101greatgoals