Sol Bamba, the former Ivory Coast defender, has passed away at the age of 39, Turkish club Adanaspor, where he was serving as technical director, announced on Saturday.
Bamba had a distinguished playing career, representing clubs such as Cardiff City, Leeds United, Leicester City, Palermo in Italy, Scottish teams Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian, and Turkish club Trabzonspor.
He earned 46 caps for his national team and scored one goal.
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After retiring in January 2023, Bamba transitioned to coaching, initially as an assistant manager at Cardiff City before becoming technical director at Adanaspor.
“Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before yesterday’s match against Manisa Football Club, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and sadly lost his battle for life,” Adanaspor said in a statement.
“Our condolences go out to his family and our community.”
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Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021 but was declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.
Cardiff City, where Bamba achieved promotion to the Premier League in his first season, described his impact on the club as ‘immeasurable.’
“It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of Club legend, Sol Bamba. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman,” the club said in a statement.
“This is absolutely tragic news. Sol Bamba has passed away at the age of just 39. Our deepest condolences to the family,” the Ivory Coast national football team said on Instagram.
Leeds United called him ‘one of the nicest people in football.’
“The thoughts of everyone at Leeds United are with Sol’s family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace Sol, you will forever be in our hearts, the club said in a statement.
