Former Premier League defender Sol Bamba tragically passes away at 39

Former Premier League defender Sol Bamba has passed away at the age of 39.

Bamba had spells at English clubs Leicester City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Cardiff City, where he is most fondly remembered.

The ex-Ivory Coast international was appointed as manager of Adanaspor last month.

The Turkish club posted on social media that Bamba had fallen ill before their goalless draw with Manisa on Friday night and taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital.

Bamba, the club say, ‘lost his battle for life there’ as they sent their condolences to ‘his family and our community’.

Following Adanaspor’s announcement, 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.

Dün oynanan Manisa Futbol Kulübü müsabakası öncesi rahatsızlanan Teknik Direktörümüz Souleymane Bamba Manisa Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Hastanesine kaldırılmış ve burada verdiği yaşam savaşını malesef kaybetmiştir. Başta ailesi olmak üzere camiamızın başı sağolsun.. pic.twitter.com/vUsZY7PfTW

‘Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.’

Bamba came through the Paris Saint-Germain academy before playing for Scottish sides Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian in the late 2000s.

He had spells at Championship teams Leicester City and Leeds United before joining Cardiff City in 2016 and enjoying five successful years in the Welsh capital.

🤍 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

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.

Bamba studied his coaching badges during his time in Wales and was looking to get into management for some time before being appointed by Adanaspor ahead of the 2024-25 season.

Following Adanaspor’s announcement, Leeds United said ‘Everyone at LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former Leeds 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.’

More to follow…