Former Cardiff and Leeds star Sol Bamba dies at 39, tributes pour in

Former Cardiff and Leeds star Sol Bamba has passed away at 39, with tributes pouring in from former clubs and fans.

Sol Bamba, the former Cardiff City and Leeds United defender, has tragically passed away at the age of 39. Bamba, who had previously battled and overcome cancer in 2021, died on Saturday after reportedly falling ill while working in Turkey with Adanaspor. According to reports from Turkey, Bamba suffered a relapse of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, which led to his sudden death.

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chloë Bamba (@ch1ojo)

Bamba's wife, Chloe, expressed her heartbreak in a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. "For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism," she wrote. "Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight, and just when things were looking up, he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August." She added, "It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero."

Bamba had a distinguished football career, playing for clubs including Paris Saint-Germain, Hibernian, Leicester City, Leeds United, Cardiff City, and Middlesbrough before retiring in 2022. He also earned 46 caps for the Ivory Coast national team, scoring once.

Tributes from Bamba's former clubs have been pouring in. Leeds United stated, "Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Rest in peace Sol, you will forever be in our hearts." Cardiff City also paid tribute, saying, "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."