Former Premier League defender and Cardiff ‘club legend’ Sol Bamba dies aged 39
He fell ill on Friday night.
Former Premier League defender and Cardiff City ‘club legend’ Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39.
Bamba had spells at English clubs Leicester City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Cardiff, where he is most fondly remembered.
The ex-Ivory Coast international was appointed as manager of Adanaspor last month.
The Turkish club announced that Bamba had fallen ill before their goalless draw with Manisa on Friday night and taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital.
The club said Bamba ‘lost his battle for life there’ and 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.
‘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 in 2016 and enjoying five successful years in the Welsh capital.
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.
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.’
In his final post on X, Bamba paid tribute to ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson – who managed him at Leicester and for the Ivory Coast – following his death at the age of 76.
‘Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today,’ he said.
‘He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.
‘My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven.’
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