Former Ivory Coast international defender Sol Bamba, who famously overcame cancer to return to professional football, has died at the age of 39, his former clubs announced on Saturday.
“Leeds United are devastated to learn of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba at the age of 39,” read a statement from the English club.
Bamba had been working with the coaching staff at Turkish club Adanaspor when he fell ill on Friday. “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,” Adanaspor announced on social media. “Our condolences to his family and our community.”
Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff City but was declared cancer-free after chemotherapy. He subsequently returned to play for Cardiff and later joined Middlesbrough.
Born in France, Bamba began his career at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Scotland, where he helped Dunfermline reach the Scottish Cup final and then played for Hibernian and Leicester City. After stints in Turkey and Italy, he joined Leeds United, where he served as club captain. In his first full season at Cardiff, he helped the team earn promotion to the Premier League, making over 100 appearances for the Welsh club.
Cardiff City paid tribute to Bamba, writing 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.”
Bamba represented the Ivory Coast at the 2008 Olympics and played in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, earning a total of 46 international caps.
