Sol Bamba: Former Cardiff and Leeds defender dies aged 39 — Sky Sports 31/8/24
Turkish club Adanaspor announces Sol Bamba has died aged 39; "Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there."
Former Cardiff and Leeds defender Sol Bamba has died at the
age of 39.
Bamba had been employed at Turkish club Adanaspor, who
announced the news late on Saturday night.
A club statement read: "Our technical director
Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club
yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and
unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and
our community."
Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while
at Cardiff, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy and
returned to play again for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough.
His career also took in the likes of Leicester, Hibernian
and Dunfermline, in addition to 46 international appearances for the Ivory
Coast.
"Everyone at LUFC is devastated to learn of the news
that former LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away," Leeds said in a
statement posted on X.
"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."
Cardiff said Bamba was "a hero to all of us, a leader
in every dressing room and a true gentleman".
Middlesbrough wrote: "We are devastated to learn of the
passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol's family and
friends at this time. RIP Sol."
The Football Association said it was "deeply
saddened" to learn of Bamba's death.
Bamba, who was born in France to Ivorian parents, began his
playing career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland after failing
to establish himself in the first team.
He helped Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final in his
first season, before moving to Hibs and then Leicester in 2011.
Following spells in Turkey and Italy he joined Leeds, where
he was club captain, while in his first full season at Cardiff he helped them
clinch promotion to the Premier League.
He played more than 100 times for the Bluebirds and was
assistant manager for six months in 2023.