Former Ivory Coast player Sol Bamba dies at age 39

Former Premier League and Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39.

Bamba, who was working as a technical director at Turkish second-division side Adanaspor, fell ill before the club’s clash against Manisa FC on Friday. He was rushed to the Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital where he passed away.

The official statement from Adanaspor read: “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. Our condolences to his family and our community.”

Bamba graduated from Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2004. He moved to England in 2011 when he joined Leicester City before playing for clubs like Leeds United, Cardiff City and Middlesbrough. He retired from professional football in 2022.

At international level, he represented Ivory Coast in 46 matches where he scored once and was part of the squad that finished runners-up at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bamba’s former clubs Cardiff City and Leeds United paid tributes to him. In a statement, the Bluebirds wrote: “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.”

Leeds wrote: “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.”

Leicester added: “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 sad time.”

Former Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling also shared his memories of the much-loved defender. “I have just seen the devastating news about Sol Bamba. Just one of the nicest men I have ever met. He was a big supporter of my prostate cancer walks and never had a smile far from his face. My heart goes out to family and friends.”