Sol Bamba, the former Ivory Coast defender, passed away at the age of 39, as announced by Turkish club Adanaspor, where he held the position of technical director.
Bamba had notable stints with Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City, along with playing for teams like Palermo, Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian, and Trabzonspor. He represented his country in 46 matches, scoring one goal.
After retiring in January 2023, Bamba transitioned into coaching, initially as an assistant manager at Cardiff before assuming the role of 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”.
Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021 but successfully beat cancer after undergoing chemotherapy.
Cardiff City, where Bamba achieved promotion to the Premier League in his debut season, described his influence 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.
The club expressed, “He was a hero to us all, a captain in every locker room, and a genuine gentleman,” in an official statement.
“This is 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.”
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