Tragic Passing of Sol Bamba at Age 39

Turkish club Adanaspor has announced the passing of Sol Bamba, its technical director, who died at the age of 39. Bamba fell ill before a match against Manisa Football Club and was subsequently transported to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he unfortunately lost his life.

Sol Bamba, formerly a defender for prominent teams such as Cardiff City and Leeds United, was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021. Following treatment and a rigorous course of chemotherapy, he was declared cancer-free and made a commendable return to professional football.

During his career, Bamba played for several clubs, including Leicester City, Hibernian, and Dunfermline Athletic, and also represented the Ivory Coast at the international level with 46 appearances. His leadership qualities shone through during his time at Leeds, where he served as club captain and later went on to help Cardiff City secure promotion to the Premier League.

Following his retirement from playing, Bamba took on coaching roles, most recently being named as the head coach at Adanaspor earlier this summer. His contributions to the sport and his character were widely recognized by former teammates and clubs alike, with many expressing their condolences on social media.

The Football Association expressed that they were “deeply saddened” by the news of Bamba’s passing, highlighting the impact he had on the football community. Tributes have poured in from various organizations and individuals remembering Bamba as an inspiring figure in the sport.