Sol Bamba dead aged 39: Ex-Leeds United, Leicester City and Cardiff City star

EX-LEEDS United and Leicester City star Sol Bamba has died with tributes pouring in for the footballer.

The centre-back tragically passed away today aged just 39.

Bamba was known as one of the good guys of football and made 51 appearances for Leeds United and 24 for Middlesbrough.

He played in the Premier League with Cardiff City in the 2018-2019 season after winning the Championship runner-up trophy with the club.

Cardiff City said Bamba was a "club legend" and his death brought them the "deepest sadness".

"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 United said in a post on X: "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."

Middlesbrough FC said: "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."

Former club Trabzonspor paid a heartbreaking tribute to their former player who made 27 appearances.

They said in a statement: "We have learned with deep sorrow the passing of Adanaspor Coach Sol Bamba, who wore our jersey between 2012-2014.

"May God have mercy on him and we offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones."

He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but had beaten it after undergoing chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.

Bamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the country of his parents' birth - Ivory Coast.

After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff City in 2023.

He was technical director of Turkish side Adanaspor this year.

That club shared a tribute to the manager saying he "fell ill" before a match yesterday and "was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there.

"Our condolences to his family and our community."

In 2020, Bamba was cruelly robbed of his Range Rover, a Louis Vuitton bag and a Cartier watch in a £90,000 raid on his home.

Fans also paid tribute to the player.

One said: "Gutted, early footballing memory of him scoring against Man City on debut."

Another wrote: "Absolutely devastating. What a human being. Had the pleasure of having him at Middlesbrough. Colossus of a man."

While a third posted: "Devastating, remember him at Cardiff. Absolute legend."