Former Leicester and Ivory international defender Sol Bamba died at the age of 39 on Saturday, August 31 after a long battle with cancer.
Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while with Cardiff City, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy and returned to play again for the Welsh club as well as Middlesbrough.
The Ivorian stopped playing football and was working with the coaching staff at Turkish side Adanaspor when he was taken ill on Friday, August 30.
However, the Turkish club confirmed that the 39-year-old lost his life at the hospital on Saturday, August 31.
Adanaspor released an official statement on social media which read: “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there.”
“Our condolences to his family and our community.”
Who was Sol Bamba?
Sol Bamba, born on January 13, 1985, and passed away on August 31, 2024, was a professional footballer who also served as a manager.
He specialized as a centre-back and represented the Ivory Coast national team, despite being born in France.
Sol Bamba Illustrious football career
Sol Bamba had a remarkable playing career that spanned over a decade and took him to various top-tier clubs across Europe.
Bamba’s journey began at Paris St Germain before moving to Scotland, where he played for Dunfermline and Hibernian (Hibs).
He then joined Leicester City in 2011, followed by stints in Turkey and Italy, before becoming club captain at Leeds.
His most notable achievement came in his first full season at Cardiff City, where he played a crucial role in the team’s promotion to the Premier League. Bamba made over 100 appearances for Cardiff, solidifying his status as a fan favorite.
On the international stage, Bamba represented Ivory Coast in the 2008 Olympic Games and became a regular fixture in the senior national team until 2014.
He was part of the side that reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012, playing 46 for Ivory Coast in total.
Bamba’s wife Chloe mourns her husband
Chloe Bamba paid a tribute to her husband, writing 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.”
Bamba met his English wife, Chloe, during his time at Leicester, and the couple has since built a life together, blessed with three beautiful children.
In addition to his family with Chloe, Bamba also has a son, Jaxxson Shields, from a previous relationship with a Scottish woman.
Chloe added: “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August…”
“It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”
Sol Bamba’s former clubs send condolences
Cardiff posted on X: “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.”
Meanwhile, Leeds United also sent their condolences in a statement posted on X: “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.”
Middlesbrough wrote: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time. RIP Sol.”
We at Futballnews extend our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased. May his soul rest in peace!
