News of Speed's death was first announced by the Football Association of Wales, who extended their sympathies and condolences to Speed's family.
Throughout the day similar messages were released from many people within football, as well as national figures in Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom.
Close friends and former teammates such as Robbie Savage, Ryan Giggs, Simon Grayson, Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson all expressed their deep sorrow at his death.
Many British politicians expressed sadness at Speed's death and sent condolences to his family, including Prime Minister David Cameron and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband.
Among the international figures to pay tribute to Speed was UEFA President Michel Platini.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter described Speed as "a model professional and a fantastic ambassador for the game".
Both the FIFA and Welsh flags at FIFA's headquarters were at half mast as a mark of respect.

The match between Swansea City and Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium, held only hours after Speed's death was announced, was dedicated to his memory.
A minute's silence was to be held before the match.
However, the fans applauded instead and sang Speed's name.
Several players who played in the match were severely affected by the news.
Four Welsh internationals played in the match; Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen, of Swansea, all played under Speed for Wales, and Allen in particular was said to be struggling with the news.
James Collins was the other Welsh international, and he had also played with Speed at international level.
Collins' Villa teammates Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas had both played with Speed at Newcastle United, and both were badly affected by the news.
Given openly wept during and after the minute's applause.
Both managers, Alex McLeish and Brendan Rodgers, paid tribute to Speed.
Rodgers, who had spoken to Speed a lot since he had become Wales manager, said that the game had lost a legend, while Neil Taylor said that he hoped Wales could qualify for the 2014 World Cup to honour him.

Along with this match, several others saw tributes toward Speed.
The only other Premier League match played that day was between Liverpool and Manchester City.
Craig Bellamy of Liverpool was withdrawn from Liverpool's squad by his manager Kenny Dalglish, as he was too affected by the news to play.
Bellamy played with Speed for Newcastle United and Wales, where Speed had also been his manager.
Dalglish himself had signed Speed for Newcastle, and expressed his sadness at the news, saying that he thought Speed was not only a great footballer but also a great person.
Another of Speed's former teammates, Hugo Viana, also paid tribute to him.
Viana, a Portuguese international played alongside Speed at Newcastle from 2002 to 2004.
After his team Braga had lost 3–2 to Porto, Viana displayed a shirt reading "Gary Rest in Peace".
Gareth Bale, who played for Speed with Wales, also gave Speed a last tribute.
After scoring Tottenham's opening goal in a 3–0 win at home to Bolton, Bale took off his left boot and held it up to reveal the stitched words "RIP Gary Speed".

At Sheffield United there were tributes for the former player, coach and manager before the team's home fixture against Torquay United in the FA Cup.
Former teammates and colleagues were invited to the match; there was a minute's applause before the match; players warmed up in specially designed shirts; players and coaches wore black armbands; the match day programme was dedicated to Speed; Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan and former Sheffield United and Welsh international Rob Page laid wreaths on pitch side just before kick-off.
Sheffield United striker Ched Evans, the only player to be managed by Speed at both club and international level, paid tribute to Speed during the match; Evans revealed a message under his shirt after scoring his first goal which read: "Rest in peace Speedo."
Evans stated after the match "I was a man on a mission.
I had a message on my top for Gary Speed which I wanted to show.
I'm thankful I got the
News of Speed's death was first announced by the Football Association of Wales, who extended their sympathies and condolences to Speed's family. Throughout the day similar messages were released from many people within football, as well as national figures in Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom. Close friends and former teammates such as Robbie Savage, Ryan Giggs, Simon Grayson, Alan Shearer, Craig Bellamy and John Hartson all expressed their deep sorrow at his death. Many British politicians expressed sadness at Speed's death and sent condolences to his family, including Prime Minister David Cameron and Leader of the Opposition Ed Miliband. Among the international figures to pay tribute to Speed was UEFA President Michel Platini. FIFA President Sepp Blatter described Speed as "a model professional and a fantastic ambassador for the game". Both the FIFA and Welsh flags at FIFA's headquarters were at half mast as a mark of respect.
The match between Swansea City and Aston Villa at the Liberty Stadium, held only hours after Speed's death was announced, was dedicated to his memory. A minute's silence was to be held before the match. However, the fans applauded instead and sang Speed's name. Several players who played in the match were severely affected by the news. Four Welsh internationals played in the match; Ashley Williams, Neil Taylor and Joe Allen, of Swansea, all played under Speed for Wales, and Allen in particular was said to be struggling with the news. James Collins was the other Welsh international, and he had also played with Speed at international level. Collins' Villa teammates Shay Given and Jermaine Jenas had both played with Speed at Newcastle United, and both were badly affected by the news. Given openly wept during and after the minute's applause. Both managers, Alex McLeish and Brendan Rodgers, paid tribute to Speed. Rodgers, who had spoken to Speed a lot since he had become Wales manager, said that the game had lost a legend, while Neil Taylor said that he hoped Wales could qualify for the 2014 World Cup to honour him.
Along with this match, several others saw tributes toward Speed. The only other Premier League match played that day was between Liverpool and Manchester City. Craig Bellamy of Liverpool was withdrawn from Liverpool's squad by his manager Kenny Dalglish, as he was too affected by the news to play. Bellamy played with Speed for Newcastle United and Wales, where Speed had also been his manager. Dalglish himself had signed Speed for Newcastle, and expressed his sadness at the news, saying that he thought Speed was not only a great footballer but also a great person. Another of Speed's former teammates, Hugo Viana, also paid tribute to him. Viana, a Portuguese international played alongside Speed at Newcastle from 2002 to 2004. After his team Braga had lost 3–2 to Porto, Viana displayed a shirt reading "Gary Rest in Peace". Gareth Bale, who played for Speed with Wales, also gave Speed a last tribute. After scoring Tottenham's opening goal in a 3–0 win at home to Bolton, Bale took off his left boot and held it up to reveal the stitched words "RIP Gary Speed".
At Sheffield United there were tributes for the former player, coach and manager before the team's home fixture against Torquay United in the FA Cup. Former teammates and colleagues were invited to the match; there was a minute's applause before the match; players warmed up in specially designed shirts; players and coaches wore black armbands; the match day programme was dedicated to Speed; Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan and former Sheffield United and Welsh international Rob Page laid wreaths on pitch side just before kick-off. Sheffield United striker Ched Evans, the only player to be managed by Speed at both club and international level, paid tribute to Speed during the match; Evans revealed a message under his shirt after scoring his first goal which read: "Rest in peace Speedo." Evans stated after the match "I was a man on a mission. I had a message on my top for Gary Speed which I wanted to show. I'm thankful I got the 
Gary Speed