If you know the bits of Kobe Bryant than you know he grew up in Italy and thats where he had a fondness for European Football (Soccer). His favorite team growing up was Milan however during his adult years he has a love for the Spanish Barcelona Team Barca! He has a collection of jerseys from Messi, Pele among others. He is on the cover of the January issue of the ESPN Magazine. You can read the short interview from the website.
He keeps up with the standings of the league and teammate from Barcelona, Pau Gasol also gives him updates of how things are going!
With the marks of top Spanish National teams and figures such as Rafael Nadal who just won the Wimbledon after a 44 year drought for Spanish Players and the Spanish Soccer team who also won the Euro2008 after not winning in the 40s. The national teams for Spain both women and men are hoping to follow in those footsteps in Pekin during the Olympic Summer Basketball Games!