Sol Bamba: 39-year-old former defender for Leeds and Cardiff

Sol Bamba, a 39-year-old former defender for Leeds and Cardiff, passed away.

The Turkish club Adanaspor, where Bamba worked, made the announcement late on Saturday night.

"Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who became ill prior to yesterday's match against Manisa Football Club, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he sadly lost his battle for life," the club said in a statement. We send our sympathies to his family and the neighbourhood."

Leeds United On X...

The news of the passing of former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has shocked everyone at #LUFC. During this sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. We shall never forget you, Sol. Rest in peace.

Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff; however, following a course of chemotherapy, the disease was deemed to be eradicated, and he was able to resume playing for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough.

In addition to 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast on the international stage, his career also included stints with Dunfermline, Leicester, and Hibernian.

Leeds released a statement on X stating, "Everyone at LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away."

"At this sad time, our thoughts and sympathies are with his family and friends. Sol, may you rest in peace, we will always remember you."

Cardif City on X...

We have learnt about the demise of Club legend Sol Bamba this evening, and we do so with the greatest regret.
 
Sol had an enormous influence on our football team both as a coach and as a player. He was a real gentleman, a leader in every changing room, and a hero to all of us.
 
We are praying for his family, friends, and everyone else who is fortunate enough to know and love Sol.

Bamba was described as "a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman" by Cardiff.

Middlesbrough on X...

The news of Sol Bamba's death at the age of 39 breaks our hearts.

Right now, our thoughts are with Sol's friends and family. 

Sol, RIP ❤️

"We are devastated to learn of Sol Bamba's passing at the age of 39," Middlesbrough wrote in a statement. Right now, our thoughts are with Sol's friends and family. RIP, Sol.

The Football Association expressed its "deep sadness" upon hearing of Bamba's passing.

Born in France to Ivorian parents, Bamba started his playing career at Paris Saint-Germain but left to play in Scotland because he was unable to make a name for himself in the starting lineup.

In his debut season, he assisted Dunfermline in reaching the Scottish Cup final; the next year, he moved to Hibs and then Leicester.

Hibernian FC on X,,,

The news of former Hibee Sol Bamba's passing has devastated everyone at Hibernian Football Club.

During this sad passing, our thoughts are with his family and friends. Peace be with you, Sol. ????

He had periods in Turkey and Italy before joining Leeds, where he served as captain, and he assisted Cardiff in winning promotion to the Premier League during his first full season there.

He made almost 100 appearances on the pitch for the Bluebirds, and in 2023 he served as assistant manager for six months.

Bamba participated in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and represented the Ivory Coast in the 2008 Olympics. Two years later, he made his last appearance on the international scene.