Sol Bamba, the former Leeds United, Leicester City, Cardiff City, and Hibernian defender, has passed away at the age of 39.
The Ivory Coast centre-back, who began his career with Paris St-Germain and also played for Dunfermline and Middlesbrough, was a key part of the Cardiff squad that achieved promotion to the Premier League in 2018.
Bamba, who had overcome non-Hodgkin lymphoma during his time at Cardiff in 2021, was working at Turkish club Adanaspor when his passing was announced on Saturday night.
Adanaspor stated: “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa on Friday, was taken to hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there. Our condolences to his family and our community.”
Cardiff City expressed “the deepest sadness” upon receiving the news, describing Bamba as a “club legend” and adding: “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.”
Leeds United, where Bamba served as captain from 2015 to 2016, also mourned his loss, saying, “Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”
Bamba’s football journey began at Paris St-Germain before moving to Dunfermline, and later to Hibernian, where he gained recognition in British football. In 2011, he joined Leicester City under Sven-Goran Eriksson.
Just days before his death, Bamba paid tribute to Eriksson, who passed away earlier in the week, calling him “not just an exquisite person, but also the best coach I’ve ever had.”
After stints with Trabzonspor in Turkey and Palermo in Italy, Bamba joined Leeds United, and later Cardiff City, where he became a fan favourite after signing on a free transfer in 2016 under Neil Warnock. He made a significant impact at Cardiff, scoring on his debut and playing a crucial role in their promotion to the Premier League.
In January 2021, Cardiff announced that Bamba was being treated for cancer. He returned to the pitch just four months later, having been declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.
Bamba’s career later saw him reunite with Neil Warnock at Middlesbrough, where he played a memorable season, including scoring a penalty in an FA Cup shootout victory over Manchester United in 2022.
In 2023, he returned to Cardiff as assistant manager to Sabri Lamouchi, helping the club maintain its Championship status. He left this role after Lamouchi’s departure in the summer of 2023 before moving to Turkey.
Leicester City also paid tribute, stating: “Sol, a popular figure during his brief but memorable stay in Leicester, made 55 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four goals. Our thoughts are with Sol’s friends and family at this sad time.”
Dunfermline expressed their “shock and sadness” at Bamba’s death, while Middlesbrough and Hibernian both said they were “devastated” by the news.