Nelson Mandela's influence on the sporting world

Nelson Mandela boxer

Nelson Mandela, leader of the African National Congress (ANC), pictured here in 1950, led the effort to end apartheid in South Africa and helped to bring democracy to the country

Nelson Mandela and Francois Pienaar

Having been elected the first black president of South Africa in 1994, he presented Springbok captain Francois Pienaar with the rugby union World Cup in 1995 at Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Nelson Mandela with the South Africa football team

During his presidency, Mr Mandela celebrated with the South African national football team when they won the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 for the first and only time

Nelson Mandela and Lennox Lewis

Mr Mandela was a powerful figure throughout the world, and met heavyweight boxing champion Lennox Lewis in 1998. He stepped down as leader of his country a year later

Nelson Mandela and David Beckham

The England national football team met Mr Mandela in 2003. David Beckham, who was captain at the time, said it was "an amazing honour to greet the elderly statesman"

Nelson Mandela with Olympic torch

Mr Mandela paraded the Olympic torch on Robben Island before the 2004 Athens Games. He retired from public life in the same year, stating: "Don't call me, I will call you"

Nelson Mandela with Pele and Samuel Eto'o

However, Mr Mandela did make brief public appearances during special events. Brazil legend Pele (left) and Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o presented him with a T-shirt ahead of his 89th birthday in 2007

Nelson Mandela and his wife

Despite health concerns, Mr Mandela managed to make an appearance at Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg prior to the 2010 World Cup final between the Netherlands and Spain