Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant took to Instagram to sing some praise and appreciation for one of his national soccer heroes, forward Clint Dempsey, who retired at 35 years of age.

The future Hall of Famer had a few words to congratulate Dempsey, explaining his deep fervor for the U.S. national legend.

“Just wanted to tell you congratulations in your retirement and congratulations on an amazing, legendary career. What you have done for the game of soccer in the United States is unparalleled. Thank you for leading the charge, thank you for inspiring the next generation of great soccer players to come out of the States. You're a hero.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnPemzKgwxT/?hl=en&taken-by=soundersfc

Dempsey's retirement is the most symbolic one since Landon Donovan, who came out of retirement this year to play for Club León in Mexico.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Byron Scott during the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic on September 13, 2024.
Former Laker Byron Scott reveals Kobe Bryant’s ‘most gangster s**t’ everMiguel La Torre ·
Coco Gauff of the United States poses with the trophy after winning the women’s singles final against Aryna Sabalenka on day 14 at Roland Garros Stadium.
LeBron James erupts with huge reaction to Coco Gauff’s French Open winLorenzo J Reyna ·
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Los Angeles Lakers
How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander draws ‘influence’ from Kobe BryantTomer Azarly ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Chris Paul rescinded NBA trade Lakers Hornets
Chris Paul shuts down Hornets-Lakers trade conspiracyJulian Ojeda ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Luka Doncic’s offseason body transformation has Lakers fans hypedJedd Pagaduan ·

Bryant, who has been retired from the NBA for two years, expressed a welcoming for the Texas native in the last part of his video.

“Hope you enjoy retirement. I sure as hell am. See you out on the beach. We'll have a nice little margarita or something together, my man. Enjoy.”

Dempsey and his family were presented to the crowd at CenturyLink Field ahead of the Seattle Sounders' match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday. The 6-foot-1 forward scored 154 goals throughout his 14-year professional career, including 57 with the U.S. National Team.

He was an MLS All-Star in four years, including the Rookie of the Year in 2004, and he collected three Gold Cup titles for the national team (2005, 2007, 2017).