The football world mourns the tragic death of former Premier League defender Sol Bamba, who passed away at 39.
Bamba, remembered for his time at Leeds United, Cardiff City, and Leicester City, died while serving as the technical director of the Turkish club Adanaspor.
Adanaspor confirmed the news on Saturday. “Souleymane Bamba, our Technical Director, fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match and was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital. Sadly, he passed away there. Our condolences to his family and our community,” the club announced.
Bamba has battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma since December 2020. Although doctors believed he was in remission, he reportedly relapsed before the Manisa FK match.
Bamba’s football journey began in Paris Saint-Germain’s youth team before moving to Scotland, where he played for Dunfermline and Hibernian. He made his English debut in 2011 with Leicester City under Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had a close bond with him. Earlier this week, Bamba paid tribute to Eriksson, who also passed away recently.
He later captained Leeds United in 2016 before moving to Cardiff City, where he made 118 appearances. It was at Cardiff that he received his lymphoma diagnosis. Despite his illness, Bamba continued to inspire his teammates and fans.
Cardiff City paid tribute, saying, “Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero, a leader in every dressing room, and a true gentleman.”
Middlesbrough, where Bamba played in the 2021-22 season, also expressed sorrow: “We are devastated by Sol Bamba’s passing. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Leeds United added, “Rest in peace, Sol. You will be forever in our hearts.”
Sol Bamba’s legacy as a fighter and leader will continue to inspire the football world.