SAD News As Sol Bamba, former Cardiff, Leeds and Middlesbrough defender, tragically dies, aged 39

Sol Bamba has tragically passed away at the age of 39.

The former defender was a popular figure in English football having played for Leicester, Leeds United, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough.

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Since retiring, Bamba moved into coaching and worked with former club Cardiff as assistant manager.

He then joined Turkish side Adanaspor, where he has been working as the club’s head coach since the summer.

Announcing the news on social media, Adanaspor wrote: “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 was an inspirational figure at Cardiff, helping the Bluebirds win promotion to the Premier League in 2018 and making more than 100 appearances for the club.

Cardiff wrote on social media: “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’s former club Leeds also paid tribute, writing 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.”

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Middlesbrough also paid tribute, 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.”

Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook wrote: “Just seen the devastating news about Sol Bamba.

“Shocked and saddened in equal measure. One of the nicest guys I’ve ever met in football. Truly heartbreaking. RIP my friend.”

Having grown up in Paris, Bamba started his career with Paris Saint-Germain’s youth setup before heading to Scotland where he played for Dunfermline and then Hibernian.

In 2011, he joined Leicester City, where he played under the late Sven-Goran Eriksson, a man who had previously managed him with the Ivory Coast national team.

Spells with Trabzonspor and Palermo followed, before the defender joined Leeds United in 2015.

Bamba moved to Cardiff City in 2016 where he formed a close relationship with his manager Neil Warnock.

It was during his time in Wales that Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and spent four months undergoing chemotherapy before making a triumphant return in the final match of the 2020/21 season.

Bamba then joined Middlesbrough, who were managed by Warnock, for the 2021/22 season.

He made 28 appearances and scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup fourth round clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford before retiring as a player that summer and moving into coaching.

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talkSPORT.com sat down with Bamba to reflect on his iconic career in 2023 – and he spoke of the winning penalty with all the personality that made him such a beloved figure in the game.

The former defender said: “People said that I was cool, laughing and stuff like this but having gone through what I did the year before, I was just happy to be there.

“Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t want to miss it but even if I did, it wasn’t the end of the world.

“I’ve been through difficult times so I just wanted to be there and enjoy it and luckily it went in.

“After that it was just pure joy. That’s why you play football for moments like that – knocking out Man United, one of the biggest clubs in the world.