Former Ivorian international defender Sol Bamba, who overcame cancer to resume his football career, passed away at the age of 39, as announced by his former clubs late Saturday.
Leeds United expressed their sorrow, stating, "We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our former captain, Sol Bamba, at the age of 39."
Bamba fell ill on Friday while working as part of the coaching staff for the Turkish club Adanaspor, which said in a statement on social media: "Our technical director Suleiman Bamba, who became ill before the match against Manisa Football Club yesterday, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he unfortunately lost his battle for life."
Bamba was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2021 while with Welsh club Cardiff City, but he was declared cancer-free after undergoing chemotherapy, allowing him to return to play for the team and later for Middlesbrough, where he retired in 2022.
Born in France, Bamba began his football career with Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland, where he helped Dunfermline reach the final of the local cup before moving on to Hibernian and then Leicester City in 2011.
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After playing for Trabzonspor in Turkey and Palermo in Italy, he joined Leeds United in 2015, where he later wore the captain's armband before moving to Cardiff City in 2016, leading them to the Premier League in his first full season with the club.
Bamba was a key defensive figure for Cardiff, where he faced top Premier League strikers such as Mohamed Salah, Harry Kane, Jamie Vardy, and Son Heung-min.
He played over 100 times for Cardiff, which stated on its "X" account: "With deep sadness, we learned this evening of the passing of a club legend, Sol Bamba." The club added, "As a player and a coach, Sol's impact on our club is immeasurable. He was a hero to us all, a leader in every dressing room, and a truly noble man."
Bamba represented the Ivorian national team at the 2008 Olympics, participated in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, and earned 46 international caps in total.
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