Liverpool forward Craig Bellamy pulled out of Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester City after being too upset to play.
After the sad news emerged, Shay Given, the Aston Villa goalkeeper and Speed's former Newcastle United teammate was seen wiping tears from his eyes during his side's sombre match against Swansea.
Former Wales player Robbie Savage wrote a series of heartfelt messages on Twitter, including: "He was upbeat on phone yesterday we were laughing together, talking football and dancing he was a great teammate and a great friend. RIP."
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish, who signed Speed when he was manager of Newcastle, said it had been difficult to concentrate on his side's match with Manchester City on Sunday.
He told Sky News: "He was a smashing lad and was really well respected... It's at times like this that the football becomes a wee bit irrelevant."
A message on Aston Villa Football Club's Twitter feed read: "RIP Gary Speed. Condolences to his family and friends at this very sad time."
A spokesman for Speed's former club Leeds United said: "We are stunned to learn this news. The club expresses its deepest sadness."
A statement issued by Sheffield United, the club where Speed ended his playing days, read: "Everybody at Sheffield United is extremely shocked and saddened to learn of the death of former player and manager Gary Speed.
"Thoughts are with Gary's family and friends at this distressing time."
Welsh international captain and Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey tweeted: "Today the world has lost a great football manager but even more sadly a great man. He will be missed by all."
Bolton, for whom Speed made more than 100 appearances between 2004 and 2008, also paid tribute in a statement on the official club website.
"Bolton Wanderers is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former player and club captain Gary Speed and wish to extend our deepest sympathy to his family," the statement read.
Cardiff City Football Club's chairman Dato Chan Tien Ghee said: "We have lost a true gentleman, a real ambassador for the sport and the country of Wales. He will be missed by many."
Lady Elsie Robson, the widow of Sir Bobby Robson, was shocked and saddened by the former Newcastle United man's death.
Speed was a supporter of The Sir Bobby Robson Foundation which funds cancer research.
A foundation spokeswoman tweeted: "Gary was a generous supporter of the Foundation and a key player for Sir Bobby.
"Lady Elsie is very shocked and very sad at today's news. Gary Speed was someone Sir Bobby greatly respected as a player and as a person."
Among the other famous stars paying tribute was Leeds United fan Chris Moyles tweeted: "Such a sad loss and so young. RIP."
DJ Chris Evans wrote on Twitter: "The news about Gary Speed is such a shock. Very sad."
Fans also set up Facebook tribute pages.
Adam O'Neil wrote: "Such a young age to die at Rest In Peace mate."
James Beckham-Cox wrote: "Huge loss to football. The guy was top class as a footballer and a manager. But most importantly as a person."
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