When an athlete retires, there’s no greater tribute than his team lifting his number to the rafters, never to be used again.

In the entire history of sports, only 2 athletes have had their jersey retired by their entire league—Wayne Gretzky and Jackie Robinson.

But there was only one Kobe.

And he deserved a tribute unlike any other.

Not only did a team, or league, honour his number.

But for the first time ever, an entire country.

After his last game, we flew him to the country of his largest fanbase, beyond the US: Manila.

To Araneta Coliseum, home to some of sports’ most historic events.

It began with his nationally-covered training camp.

?But what he didn’t know was that an equally historic moment awaited.

Just when he thought the night was over, a special ceremony began.

The country stood still as #24 rose to the rafters to hang forever.

Everyone teared up, including the infamously cold-blooded Kobe.

It instantly became an iconic moment in sports.

Which grew to unseen scale, as we united the country on every social network.

Across the nation, organizations, clubs, players, and fans vowed there’d never be another #24 in all leagues, tournaments, and even pick-up games.

A country expressed its gratitude to the last number 24.

And in a surprise film from the man himself, so did he.

Trending topic on all social networks.

Participation from basketball clubs, leagues, players, from the entire country.

Press coverage of the retirement event in every major publication even across in the region, and all main sports sites.