Former Ivory Coast, Premier League Defender, Sol Bamba Dies At 39

A former Ivory Coast international and Premier League defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away at the age of 39, as confirmed by his former clubs on Saturday.

Bamba, who was well-known for his time with Leeds United, Cardiff City, and Leicester City, tragically passed away while serving as the technical director for Turkish club, Adanaspor.

The ex-defender, who had courageously battled Non-Hodgkin lymphoma since 2020, ultimately lost his fight against the disease. Despite being declared cancer-free in 2021 and making a return to football, Bamba’s health took a turn for the worse.

Leeds United, where Bamba once captained the team, expressed their sorrow in a statement: “Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba at the age of 39.”

Adanaspor, where Bamba had been working with the coaching staff, also released a statement following his sudden illness on Friday: “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’s football journey began in France with Paris Saint-Germain before he moved to Scotland, where he played for Dunfermline and Hibernian.

He later joined Leicester City in 2011, and after stints in Turkey and Italy, he found success in England with Leeds United.

Bamba was instrumental in Cardiff City’s promotion to the Premier League and made over 100 appearances for the club.

Cardiff City also paid tribute to Bamba, posting on X: “It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of club legend, Sol Bamba.

“As a player and coach, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman.

“Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.”

Bamba was also a key figure for the Ivory Coast national team, representing his country at the 2008 Olympics and the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, earning 46 international caps during his career. His passing is a significant loss to the football community.