Sol Bamba dies aged 39: Latest tributes to Cardiff City legend as tragic news announced

Cardiff City legend Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39.

The former Bluebirds defender, who took charge of Turkish 1.Lig side Adanaspor last month, was taken ill before his team’s match against Manisa BBSK on Friday and later died in hospital, the club has confirmed.

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.”

Bamba spent five years with Cardiff as a player before returning as assistant to ex-boss Sabri Lamouchi in 2023. Having studied his coaching badges in Wales, his move to Turkey was his first move into management.

The Ivorian, who also represented the likes of PSG, Leeds United and Leicester City during his 18-year career, became a hero among Bluebirds fans following his move to the Welsh capital in 2016, helping them to promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

He went on to make 112 appearances for the Bluebirds and scored 10 goals. The tragic news has stunned the football world, with tributes already pouring in for the Cardiff City legend.

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