Former Leeds United captain Sol Bamba has passed away at the age of 39.
Bamba, who had previously overcome non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021, was working with Turkish club Adanaspor when he fell ill before a match against Manisa Football Club. He was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he sadly lost his life. Adanaspor issued a statement expressing their condolences: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who became ill before yesterday’s match, was hospitalized and unfortunately passed away. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and our community.”
Leeds United quickly honored Bamba, describing him as one of the kindest individuals in football. A club statement read: “Leeds United is heartbroken to hear of the passing of former captain Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Bamba began his career at Paris Saint-Germain and joined Leeds on loan from Palermo, following stints at Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian, Leicester City, and Trabzonspor.
“He made his debut for Leeds against Huddersfield Town in January 2015 and scored his first goal in a victory at Fulham two months later. After 19 appearances on loan, his move to Leeds was made permanent, and he was appointed captain by then head coach Uwe Rosler for the 2015/16 season.
“Bamba captained Leeds for 37 matches during the 2015/16 season, scoring four goals. He left Leeds at the end of that season to join Cardiff City, where he spent five years before concluding his career at Middlesbrough.
“Bamba also earned 46 caps for Ivory Coast, scoring one goal. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching, serving as assistant manager at Cardiff before becoming technical director at Adanaspor.
“Remembered as one of football’s nicest people, Leeds United extends its condolences to Sol’s family and friends. Rest in peace, Sol—you will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
