Ivory Coast AFCON silver medalist Sol Bamba dies aged 39

Former Premier League defender Souleymane ‘Sol’ Bamba has tragically passed away, aged 39. 

The former Ivory Coast international defender came up through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and went on to play for 10 clubs in his career, including four in the English football pyramid: Cardiff, Leeds, Middlesbrough and Leicester City. 

He retired from football in 2022 and immediately went into coaching. He was the technical director of Turkish side Adanaspor at his time of passing. 

Adanaspor announced the passing of Bamba today through an official statement on X, which read as follows:

“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.”

He is believed to have passed due to a relapse of a rare form of cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The Ivorian was first diagnosed with the condition in 2020 but was believed to be in remission. 

However, Turkish outlet Hurriyet stated that his recent illness and subsequent passing was due to a relapse of the cancer. 

The tributes have been pouring in since Adanaspor broke this news. 

His former club Cardiff said, '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.”

Leeds United said, “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 wrote, “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.”