Sol Bamba, former Leeds, Cardiff and Middlesbrough defender, dies aged just 39 after falling ill before he was due to take charge of match for Turkish club Adanaspor

Former Cardiff City, Leeds and Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba has tragically passed away aged just 39.

He was previously diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer back on Christmas Eve in 2020 but was believed to be in the clear.

Turkish side Adanaspor A.Ş broke the news in a statement released online which read: 

‘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.’

Bamba fell ill before he was due to take charge of match for Turkish club Adanaspor

The former defender was a popular figure in English football having donned the jersey’s of Leicester City, Leeds, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.

Since retiring in 2022, Bamba made them move into coaching, becoming an assistant manage for his former club Cardiff before joining Turkish side Adanaspor.

The 39-year-old had been working as the clubs head coach since the summer until his untimely passing.

Many of Bamba’s former clubs have already released 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’ 

Whilst fellow Turkish side Galatasaray side paid their respects by posting a tribute which read:

‘We have learned with sorrow that Adanaspor Technical Director Sol Bamba has passed away. 

‘We offer our condolences to Sol Bamba’s family, loved ones and the Adanaspor community.’ 

More to follow