Former Premier League star Sol Bamba, who played for Leeds United, Leicester and Cardiff, has died after a three-year battle with cancer. The centre-back, who had overcome Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021, finally tragically passed away on Saturday.
The former Ivory Coast international fell ill on Friday while working for Turkish side Adanaspor, passing away hours later. Turkish media outlet ‘Hurriyet’ reported that Bamba “fell ill before the match against Manisa FK due to a relapse of Hodgkin’s lymphoma.”
“Just when things seemed to be looking up, he suffered a relapse and finally succumbed”
His heartbroken wife Chloe, with whom he had three children, praised his “amazing mental and physical strength and stoicism” during his battle with the disease. “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things seemed to be looking up, he suffered a relapse and finally succumbed on August 31,” Chloe said. She added: “Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a doubt, that he was loved with all his heart. I made sure of that.”
Bamba made 51 appearances for Leeds United and 24 for Middlesbrough. He also played in the Premier League for Cardiff City in the 2018-2019 season after being promoted from the Championship the previous year.
Condolences
Cardiff City said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”. “As a player and manager, Sol’s impact on our football club was immeasurable. He was a hero to us all, a leader in every dressing room and a true gentleman. Our thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone who was lucky enough to know and love Sol.”
Leeds United wrote in a post on X: “We are all devastated to hear the news of the passing of former Leeds captain Sol Bamba. 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 FC’s statement: “We are devastated to hear of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”
His former club Trabzonspor also paid a heartbreaking tribute to their former player, who made 27 appearances for them: “It is with deep sadness that we have received the news of the passing away of Adanaspor coach Sol Bamba, who wore our shirt between 2012 and 2014. May God have mercy on him and we offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones.”
4 months of chemotherapy
Sol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020, but overcame it after undergoing four months of chemotherapy.
Bamba was born in France but played 46 games for his parents’ country of birth: Ivory Coast.
After retiring from football, he stayed in football and went into management as assistant coach of Cardiff City in 2023. This year he was technical director of the Turkish team Adanaspor.
Su mensaje a Sven-Goran Eriksson
Just days before his death, Bamba posted a heartbreaking tribute to former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson following his passing from terminal cancer.
Bamba’s post to Eriksson read: “Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today. Not only was he an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I have ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a coach. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace Sven.”
The two had first worked together in 2011, when Bamba joined Leicester City, where Eriksson was a coach. They later met at the Ivory Coast national team.
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