September 01, (THEWILL) – Sol Bamba, ex-Ivory Coast international defender who overcame cancer to continue playing football, has died aged 39. His former clubs announced his passing on Saturday.
Leeds United expressed their devastation at the news of their former captain’s death. Bamba had been working with the coaching staff at Turkish club Adanaspor when he fell ill on Friday. He was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital but did not survive.
Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff City. After undergoing chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free and returned to play for Cardiff and later Middlesbrough. Born in France, Bamba started his career at Paris St Germain before moving to Scotland, where he played for Dunfermline and Hibernian.
His career also included spells at Leicester City, Leeds United, and Cardiff City, where he helped the team gain promotion to the English Premier League. Bamba made over 100 appearances for Cardiff. He represented Ivory Coast at the 2008 Olympics and 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, earning 46 international caps.
Cardiff City paid tribute to Bamba, describing him as a “club legend” whose impact was “immeasurable”. They praised him as a hero, leader, and true gentleman, extending thoughts to his friends, family, and all who knew him.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
