Former Cardiff and Leeds defender Sol Bamba has passed away at the age of 39.
Bamba was employed by Turkish club Adanaspor, which announced the news late on Saturday night.
A statement from the club read: “Our head coach, Souleymane Bamba, fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday. He was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he sadly lost his battle for life. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and our community.”
Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff, but after undergoing chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free and returned to the pitch, playing again for Cardiff and later Middlesbrough.
Throughout his career, Bamba also played for Leicester, Hibernian, and Dunfermline, and earned 46 international caps for the Ivory Coast.
Chloe Bamba, his wife, paid tribute to him on Instagram, writing: “For the past few years, I have watched Sol confront his cancer with remarkable mental and physical strength. Sadly, it was never a fair fight, and just when things seemed to be improving, he took a downturn and passed away on August 31st.
“These years have been incredibly difficult, but we still found moments of joy and laughter. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this world knowing he was deeply loved. I made sure of that.
“It was an honor to love and be loved by Sol. He taught me so much. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift it was to have been loved by him.”
Leeds United expressed their sorrow in a statement on X, saying: “Everyone at LUFC is devastated to hear of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends during this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will forever be in our hearts.”
Cardiff City described Bamba as “a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room, and a true gentleman.”
Middlesbrough also shared their grief, stating: “We are devastated to learn of Sol Bamba’s passing at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time. RIP Sol.”
The Football Association expressed its deep sadness over Bamba’s death.
Born in France to Ivorian parents, Bamba began his career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland, where he found success after struggling to break into the first team in France.
He played a key role in helping Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final in his first season before moving to Hibernian and later Leicester in 2011.
After stints in Turkey and Italy, Bamba joined Leeds United, where he served as club captain. In his first full season at Cardiff, he helped the team secure promotion to the Premier League.
Bamba made over 100 appearances for Cardiff and served as assistant manager for six months in 2023.
Internationally, he represented the Ivory Coast at the 2008 Olympics and played in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, making his final appearance for the national team two years later.