Former Premier League defender Sol Bamba dies aged 39

The Ivory Coast international played for Cardiff City, Leeds United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Most recently, Bamba had been working as a technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor, and they announced his passing via social media yesterday.

The former Ivory Coast international had reportedly fallen ill yesterday before their away match vs Manisa.

He was hospitalised, but unfortunately lost his life.

A club statement read: "Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club 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 diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing at Cardiff, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy and returned to play again for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough before retiring in 2022.

He came through the Paris Saint-Germain academy as a youngster, before playing for Scottish sides Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian in the late 2000s.

Bamba starred in Cardiff’s promotion from the Championship in 2017-18 before making 28 Premier League appearances for the Bluebirds.

The centre-back was club captain for much of his spell in Cardiff and returned to the club in 2023 as assistant to then-manager Sabri Lamouchi.

Cardiff City posted an emotional tribute to their former talisman on X earlier this morning.

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… pic.twitter.com/f4eOicxMyt

— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) August 31, 2024

Leeds United, Middlesborough and Hibernian were also among the footballer's former clubs to pay tribute to him.

🤍 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. pic.twitter.com/HFqtYgsFkM

— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2024

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 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/jNYNiHPKE7

— Middlesbrough FC (@Boro) August 31, 2024

Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is devestated to hear of the passing of former Hibee Sol Bamba.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol. 💚 pic.twitter.com/b4NowhrX3D

— Hibernian Football Club (@HibernianFC) August 31, 2024