Tributes are being paid to Sol Bamba, the former Cardiff City defender, who has passed away at the age of 39.
Bamba, who had also played for Leicester City, Leeds United, Middlesbrough and Hibernian, had been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. He died on Saturday in Turkey, where he was working for Adanaspor.
“It is with the deepest sadness that we have learnt this evening about the passing of Club legend, Sol Bamba,” said Cardiff City on X. “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.”
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… pic.twitter.com/f4eOicxMyt
— Cardiff City FC (@CardiffCityFC) August 31, 2024
For Cardiff, Bamba played 28 Premier League matches in the 2018/19 season, scoring four goals for Neil Warnock, who paid his own tribute.
I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.
I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.
I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them.
Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much. ? pic.twitter.com/yGst6lbX3Z
— Neil Warnock (@warnockofficial) September 1, 2024
The thoughts of everyone at the Premier League are with Sol’s family and friends at this difficult time.
We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39.
Sol, a popular figure during his brief but memorable stay in Leicester, made 55 appearances for the Foxes, scoring four goals.
Our thoughts are with Sol’s friends and family at this… pic.twitter.com/wSER3qNLj9
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 1, 2024
? Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away. 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. pic.twitter.com/HFqtYgsFkM
— Leeds United (@LUFC) August 31, 2024