Soccer world reacts to passing of Sunderland superfan Bradley Lowery

Six-year-old Sunderland fan Bradley Lowery lost his battle with cancer on Friday. The terminally ill Bradley developed a touching bond with Sunderland star Jermain Defoe as he battled neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer. He's served as one of the club's "mascots" and joined Defoe on the field in Wembley Stadium prior to a World Cup qualifying match against Lithuania on March 26.

In the last several weeks Defoe has publicly been at Bradley's side, attending his birthday party and visiting him recently, after which he admitted Bradley's condition was worsening rapidly. Bradley's parents shared the devastating news on Facebook Friday: "My brave boy went with the angels today 07/07/17 at 13:35, in mammy and daddies arms surrounded by his family. He was our little superhero and put the biggest fight up but he was needed else where. There are no words to describe how heart broken we are."

The soccer world shared countless heartfelt messages Friday and praised Bradley for his fight with cancer.

Sleep tight little one... 💙 pic.twitter.com/iGqLXdvlVi
— Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe) July 8, 2017

The thoughts of all at #SAFC are with the Lowery family following this afternoon's sad news.#OneBradleyLowery 💙

➡️https://t.co/EtrhMlpbqt pic.twitter.com/MeYOey4d3v
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) July 7, 2017

There's only one Bradley Lowery. pic.twitter.com/dzW6mB9lAN
— England (@England) July 7, 2017

Today, the football world lost one of its bravest fans.

Rest in peace, Bradley Lowery. pic.twitter.com/x3dhF7yvaO
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 7, 2017

We are sad to hear of the passing of Bradley Lowery, whose bravery touched the hearts of football fans around the world.#OneBradleyLowery pic.twitter.com/ACGP8oGUGT
— Premier League (@premierleague) July 7, 2017

Deeply saddened to hear the news 💔 Bradley was a true inspiration, thoughts are with family and friends, rest in peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/EbPxstuHrT
— Dele (@dele_official) July 7, 2017

Your bravery was an inspiration to many,from me and my family our thoughts are with your family and friends. R.I.P Bradley ❤️❤️🙏🏼🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0ys6kNn2Pf
— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) July 7, 2017

It was an honor to meet such an inspiring, strong little man. I will never forget you and that amazing smile. RIP Bradley Lowery 🔴⚪️❤️ pic.twitter.com/GyEfTjp8t3
— Lynden Gooch (@LyndenGooch) July 7, 2017

Terribly sad to hear that little Bradley Lowery has passed away. A warrior and an inspiration to the end. RIP Bradley.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) July 7, 2017

#OneBradleyLowery pic.twitter.com/j1b8fXgCtn
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 7, 2017

RIP Bradley. An inspirational boy – we’re all thinking of you here at Manchester United.
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 7, 2017

Rest in Peace Bradley 🙌🏽💙❤️ pic.twitter.com/gPP5fJKuRl
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) July 7, 2017

The best tribute is to help all children like Bradley. Let's help make his legacy even greater. RIP Bradley Lowery @Bradleysfight
— Sergio Ramos (@SergioRamos) July 7, 2017

Heartbreaking news about @Bradleysfight today. RIP little man, you will be missed. 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/E1B7BQQG2f
— Asmir Begovic (@asmir1) July 7, 2017

💙❤️ | Everyone at Everton Football Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Bradley Lowery: https://t.co/rrCX5Nv8Gk pic.twitter.com/E9h6BJqQ7f
— Everton (@Everton) July 7, 2017

He touched all of our hearts. Rest in peace, @Bradleysfight. pic.twitter.com/bjCnl3WsMt
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) July 7, 2017

❤️️❤️️❤️️

You touched all of our hearts with your remarkable strength and courage. RIP Bradley Lowery.

❤️️❤️️❤️️ pic.twitter.com/BsTKg135D2
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) July 7, 2017

Farewell to one of football's toughest little soldiers. You fought a great fight. RIP Bradley Lowery pic.twitter.com/QYQ4zXsrnU
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) July 7, 2017

You inspired us all with your bravery. Rest in peace, Bradley Lowery. pic.twitter.com/KOkoQlSZd3
— West Ham United (@WestHam) July 7, 2017

So sorry that little @Bradleysfight has passed away. An inspirational life cut way too short. Thoughts with his amazing family & friends RIP
— Alan Shearer (@alanshearer) July 7, 2017

R.I.P Bradley Lowery you are with the angels now. You are a true inspiration & fighter. Blessing & Love 💔
— daRealAAkinfenwa (@daRealAkinfenwa) July 7, 2017

Breaks your heart- what a warrior - prayers and strength to the family - be strong like he was and remember that smile - always https://t.co/Jf0ItH3Zal
— Eric Wynalda (@EricWynalda) July 7, 2017

Bradley was an inspiration to everyone. Our thoughts are with you all at this sad time. May he rest in peace.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2017

All at #lcfc are saddened to learn of Bradley Lowery's passing.

Rest in peace. https://t.co/kXVjvdYqK4
— Leicester City (@LCFC) July 7, 2017

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Bradley Lowery and all who supported him throughout his brave battle. pic.twitter.com/8Zvt2AxYyx
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 7, 2017

You always gave us a beautiful smile and we will remember you forever. See you soon, little hero. 🙏🏼#OneBradleyLowery pic.twitter.com/kkLoLkUZDy
— Bryan Oviedo (@Bryan_Oviedo) July 7, 2017

You showed such incredible strength and bravery. An inspiration. RIP 💔@Bradleysfight pic.twitter.com/oj0tpgFAgv
— Kasper Schmeichel (@kschmeichel1) July 7, 2017

So sad about Bradley's news 😪😪😪 what a fighter ❤️ all my thoughts, love & prayers are for his family and friends today, we are with you <3 pic.twitter.com/puWLAMAaJU
— Michy Batshuayi (@mbatshuayi) July 7, 2017

Defoe was introduced as a Bournemouth player on Thursday and was overcome with emotion when asked about Bradley.

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