Former Premier League defender Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39 while serving as the technical director for Turkish club Adanaspor. Bamba, who played for clubs like Leeds United, Cardiff City, and Leicester City, had been battling Non-Hodgkin lymphoma since 2020. He passed away after falling ill before a match, with the club confirming his death on Saturday. Despite being in remission, it’s believed that Bamba suffered a relapse, leading to his untimely passing.
Tributes have poured in from his former clubs and teammates, recognizing his impact on and off the pitch. Cardiff City, where Bamba spent a significant portion of his career, described him as a “hero” and “a true gentleman,” while Leeds United, where he served as captain, expressed their deep sorrow, stating that he will “forever be in our hearts.” Middlesbrough, where Bamba played during the 2021-22 season, also mourned his loss, highlighting the deep respect and affection they held for him.
Bamba’s football journey began in Paris with PSG’s youth academy, followed by stints in Scotland and England, where he made a name for himself in the Premier League. He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma while at Cardiff City and made a courageous return to football after months of chemotherapy. His strength and determination inspired many, particularly during his time at Middlesbrough, where he famously scored the winning penalty in an FA Cup match against Manchester United.