Former Cote d’Ivoire, Leeds, Boro defender Sol Bamba dies aged 39
Former defender for the Cote d’Ivoire national team and several clubs in England, Sol Bamba, who was coaching in Turkey, has tragically died at the age of just 39.
The former Leeds United and Middlesbrough star was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer back, on Christmas Eve in 2020 but was believed to have been healed.
Turkish club Adanaspor announced Bamba’s death in a statement on Saturday night.
“Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played 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,” the statement said.
The former defender was well known in English football having featured for Leicester City, Leeds, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.
Since retiring in 2022, Bamba made the move into coaching, becoming an assistant manager for his former club Cardiff City before joining Turkish side Adanaspor.
The 39-year-old had been working as the clubs head coach since the summer until his untimely passing.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba,” the English Football Association wrote on X.
“Our thoughts go out to Sol’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Many of Bamba’s former clubs have also paid tributes to the French-born defender.
Leeds wrote on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”
Middlesbrough also paid tribute to their former player on X writing: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.
“Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time. RIP Sol.”
Cardiff City wrote: “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.”
