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."
Sunday 1 September 2024 12:03, UK
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.
Chloe Bamba paid a tribute to her husband, writing on Instagram: "For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.
"Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.
"These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I've experienced my worst days but also some of my best. Sol accepted his fate as God's will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.
"It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him."
Meanwhile, Leeds said in a statement posted on X: "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."
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.
Bamba represented the Ivory Coast at the 2008 Olympics and played in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his final international appearance two years later.
