Sol Bamba: Former Cardiff and Leeds Defender Dies at 39

According to SAEDNEWS, Former footballer Sol Bamba has tragically died at the age of 39. The news was shared by his current club, Turkish team Adanaspor, who announced his passing late Saturday night.

Bamba fell ill just before a match against Manisa Football Club and was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital. Unfortunately, he did not survive. A statement from Adanaspor expressed their condolences to his family and the community.

Friends, fans, and football clubs took to social media to pay tribute to the beloved player. Leeds United shared their sadness, saying they are "devastated" and expressing their deep sympathies to his family and friends. They remembered Bamba as a former captain and a cherished member of the team.

Cardiff City also expressed their grief, calling Bamba "a hero to all of us" and praised his leadership and character both as a player and as a coach. Middlesbrough FC shared similar condolences, emphasizing their sorrow over his passing.

Bamba had a challenging health battle; he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff. After undergoing chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free and returned to the pitch, continuing his career with the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough.

Born in France to Ivorian parents, Bamba started his football journey at Paris Saint-Germain. His career took him to clubs in Scotland, England, Italy, and Turkey. He made over 100 appearances for Cardiff and played an essential role in their promotion to the Premier League. Bamba also represented the Ivory Coast in international competitions, including the 2008 Olympics and the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

His passing has left a significant impact on the football community, and he will be remembered fondly by fans and players alike.