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Former Ivorian Defender Sol Bamba Passes Away at 39
Prince Jean
Sep 1, 2024
Former Ivorian International Sol Bamba Passes Away at 39. Credit:gettyimages
Sol Bamba, former Ivorian international and revered footballer, has passed away at the age of 39. The tragic news was confirmed on Saturday night by his Turkish club, Adanaspor.
In an official statement, Adanaspor shared the sad details of Bamba’s passing:
“Our technical director, Souleymane Bamba, fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday. He was rushed to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital but, unfortunately, lost his battle for life. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and our community.”
Bamba had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff City, but he was declared cancer-free after successful treatment.
Throughout his football career, Bamba played for nine different clubs between 2004 and 2022, including Paris Saint-Germain, Leicester City, Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Middlesbrough. On the international stage, he earned 46 caps representing the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire.
Cardiff City, one of Bamba’s former clubs, expressed their sorrow in a heartfelt statement, describing him as
“a club legend whose impact on our football club was immeasurable.”
The club added,
“He was a hero to all of us, a leader in every dressing room, and a true gentleman.”
Leeds United, where Bamba served as captain from 2015 to 2016, also paid tribute:
“Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former 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.”
