Former Cardiff City, Leicester City and Leeds United defender Sol Bamba has died aged 39, it has been announced.
The former Ivory Coast international was most recently working in Turkey with his club, Adanaspor, announcing the news late on Saturday evening.
A statement from the club read: “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa on Friday, was taken to hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”
Bamba enjoyed a long career after coming through at Paris Saint-Germain taking in spells with Hibernian and Dunfermline in Scotland before a number of clubs in England where he was a hugely popular figure with both fellow players and supporters.
🤍 Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/HFqtYgsFkM
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2024
He made 118 appearances for Cardiff, including playing a key role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League from the second tier in 2018.
While at Cardiff he was treated for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. He would later confirm he was cancer-free and return to the game.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of club legend, Sol Bamba,” Cardiff said.
“As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.
“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.”
Leicester, where he played under Sven-Goran Eriksson, also posted their own message of condolence. Eriksson passed away earlier this week with Bamba paying tribute.
“We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39,” a club statement read.
We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39.
Sol, a popular figure during his brief but memorable stay in Leicester, made 55 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four goals.
Our thoughts are with Sol’s friends and family at this… pic.twitter.com/wSER3qNLj9
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 1, 2024
“Sol, a popular figure during his brief but memorable stay in Leicester, made 55 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four goals.
“Our thoughts are with Sol’s friends and family at this sad time.”
Leeds United added: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”
Bamba earned 46 caps for the Ivory Coast, and featured at the Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008 and at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
(Stu Forster/Getty Images)
