Sol Bamba’s wife issues a heartbreaking statement confirming her husband’s death aged 39 with the football world paying tribute.
Sad news emerged on Saturday night with it stated he was taken ill before a match in Turkey, where he had been in charge of Turkish side Adanaspor for the past month.
He had already overcome so much in his life, diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff City, and was initially declared cancer-free months later after chemotherapy treatment, so returned to playing for the Bluebirds before his move to Middlesbrough.
Chloe, the mother of the couple’s three children, Roonea, Lily, and Amy, has now spoken: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.
“Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.
“These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best. Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.
“It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”
Bamba’s last tweet on Twitter was paying respect to the late former manager Sven-Göran Eriksson just days ago.
Deeply devastated by the news of Sven’s passing today. He was not just an exquisite person, but he was also the best coach I’ve ever had, inspiring my journey as a player but also as a manager.
My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Sven. ♥️🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/bR64eQmMpB
— Sol Bamba (@Sol14Bamba) August 26, 2024
View this post on Instagram
He can be seen above, he was a fan favourite, with Cardiff fans singing “Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, the very next day, you gave it away, this year, to save me from tears, I gave it to Sol Bamba, Bamba!”
A statement from Adanaspor posted on Saturday night read: “Our Technical Director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the Manisa Football Club match played 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.”
Middlesbrough FC wrote: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39. Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time. RIP Sol ❤️”
Cardiff City FC: “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 thoughts are with his friends, family and everyone lucky enough to know and love Sol.”
Jeff Stelling: “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.”
Leicester City FC: “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.”
Hibernian FC: “Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is devestated to hear of the passing of former Hibee Sol Bamba. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol. 💚”
Neil David Redfearn: “Absolutely devastated to hear the passing of Sol Bamba, a true leader and fearless in standing up for what was right. My thoughts are with his family and friends RIP Big man”
BAMBA’S CAREER:
Youth career
1996–2004 – Paris Saint-Germain
Senior career
2004–2006 – Paris Saint-Germain – 1 game (0 goals)
2006–2008 – Dunfermline Athletic – 51 games (0 goals)
2008–2011 – Hibernian – 80 games (4 goals)
2011–2012 – Leicester City – 55 games (4 goals)
2012–2014 – Trabzonspor – 35 games (0 goals)
2014–2015 – Palermo – 1 game (0 goals)
2015-2016 → Leeds United – 56 games (5 goals)
2016–2021 – Cardiff City – 118 games (10 goals)
2021–2022 – Middlesbrough – 29 games (0 goals)
Total – 426 games (23 goals)
International career
2003–2005 – Ivory Coast U20
2008 – Ivory Coast U23 – 2 games (0 goals)
2008–2014 – Ivory Coast – 46 games (1 goal)
Twitter users continued to pay respect after Sol Bamba’s wife issues a heartbreaking statement confirming her husband’s death aged 39…
Sol Bamba has passed away aged 39. pic.twitter.com/snFW4z2CFE
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 31, 2024
Sol Bamba was a fine player and always came across as a lovely guy, this news suckspic.twitter.com/OLqf0y6qMb
— Johnny Farrow (@Johnnyboythrash) August 31, 2024
RIP Sol Bamba. 39 years young. Live life to the full folks. #lufc fans will never forget him and will never forget this goal! pic.twitter.com/OhfndJDwX5
— David Watkins (@DaveLUFCWatkins) August 31, 2024
Was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 and was in remission a few months later he was a fighter on and off the pitch.
Rest in peace champ pic.twitter.com/hwdhwY8Nch— Colleb An (@ACollebAn) August 31, 2024
@xxwelshjonnyxx: That’s hit me hard
@Steptoesyard: Didnt fully appreciate what an amazing man he was till his spell at my club Boro. Awful news.
@MikeyJamesBowe7: Truly gutted over this news. Sol… took in every ounce of what it means to be Boro… likewise when he was with Cardiff no doubt….A man who every fan took to their hearts. Legend…. Hero….. pinnacle of life…. RIP champ
@Jj25_MFC: Loved him at boro, what a legend RIP 💜
@brxdlufc: What a player he was man rip 💔
@Dyljenxb181: Rest in peace sol bamba devastating news ❤️
@paxoccfc: Possibly …. In fact definitely the most nicest guy in football. Whoever you supported. You always had a soft spot for Sol. RIP my friend
@Spark_Football_: My genuine favourite ever captain. His legendary goal vs brighton and wheeling off shirtless will go down in folklore. True Cult Hero.
@HancockAnalysis: So so sad, a great man, what a massive loss 💔
@otb_benjamin: Ah man, this is awful awful news. Sol was such a well spoken man. Loved Cardiff, and would always make an effort with people. Also one hell of a centre back. RIP
@PaulRees_: Gone too soon, real footballing cult hero
@JadenChristy180: Wow so so sad. Was one of the best EFL centre backs of this generation and seemed such a top bloke. RIP Sol Bamba 🕊️❤️
@BristolOli: Absolutely shocking news 😔. Lovely guy always had time for a chat in the gym . Amazing smile and attitude to life . Made everyone he met feel special RIp Sol 😔 ❤️
@BluebirdRichie: Absolutely devastated 💔 RIP Sol
@MardyFM: Absolutely awful news. 39 years young. Rest in Peace, Sol. Be grateful for what you have.
@DanielDBacon: Absolutely gutted. Giant of a man and gave us some great memories. RIP Sol 💙💙💙
@PhilipDilley: This wonderful man is up there with the giants of football. What a fantastic example to youngsters and fit to be mentioned together with Jimmy Scoular, Don Murray and Peter King as club GREATS. I propose a statue and a SPECIAL testimonial game.
@stevenffc123: One of the very few players. Of another club I totally respected he’s committed. A pure leader who would pop up with goals. I’m really sad 😢
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