Former Leeds and Cardiff defender Sol Bamba dies aged 39 | Soccer

Former Cardiff and Leeds defender Sol Bamba has died, aged 39.

Bamba works as a coach at Adanaspor and the Turkish club announced the news late on Saturday night.

A club statement said: “Technical director Suleimane Bamba, who felt unwell before yesterday's match against Manisa Football Club, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital where he unfortunately lost his life. Our condolences go to his family and the community.”

Bamba, who made 46 appearances for Ivory Coast, also played for Leicester and Middlesbrough before taking over as Cardiff coach last year. He underwent chemotherapy in 2021 to recover from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, returning to the pitch less than five months after his diagnosis.

Leeds paid tribute to their former captain in a statement, saying: “Rest in peace Sol. You will forever be in our hearts.”

In a statement, Middlesbrough said: “We are heartbroken to hear that Sol Bamba has passed away, aged 39. Our deepest condolences go to Sol's family and friends at this time. Rest in peace, Sol.”

Born in France to Ivorian parents, Bamba began his playing career with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland, helping Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final in his first season before moving to Hibernian in 2008 and Leicester in 2011.

After playing in Turkey and Italy, he joined Leeds, where he was club captain, and in his first full season at Cardiff he helped the team win promotion to the Premier League. He played more than 100 times for the Welsh club and was assistant manager for six months in 2023.

Cardiff posted on X: “It is with deep sadness that we learned this evening of the passing of club legend Sol Bamba. The impact Sol had on our football club as a player and coach is immeasurable.

“He was a hero to us all, a leader in every locker room and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and all those who were fortunate enough to know and love Sol.”

Bamba represented Ivory Coast at the 2008 Olympics and at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. His last international appearance came two years later.