Only a few hours have passed since former Cardiff City defender Sol Bamba has tragically passed away at 39 years old. Having had an eventful stint across Europe, Bamba had just embarked on a coaching career with the Turkish club Adanaspor. He was also the technical director of the club. “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa on Friday, was taken to hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there,” Adanaspor said in a club statement.

The lost Ivorian legend had initially embarked on an assistant manager’s role in Cardiff City, where he served long as a player. He joined the role in January 2023 immediately after calling quits on his playing career. But the Cardiff managerial stint was a short one, as Sol Bamba left the office in June last year. Little did the world know that such a tragic fate was awaiting Bambo during his first coaching job.

Sol Bamba overcame Hodgkin-Lymphoma in 2021 while playing for Cardiff City. It is unclear if the malady had returned before Bamba was hospitalized. Playing across Europe, the Ivory Coast-born defender spent time with PSG, Hibernian, Leeds City, Palermo, Cardiff City, and Middlesbrough, among others. Apparently, most of his former clubs stormed the web to leave a heartfelt final message to the departed legend.

Soccer world and former clubs pray for Sol Bamba after his tragic passing

Adanaspor’s ace domestic rival Fenerbahce was one of the prominent clubs to give a heartfelt tribute to Sol Bamba. “We have learned with deep sadness that Adanaspor coach Sol Bamba has passed away. We wish God’s mercy to Sol Bamba and offer our condolences to his family and the Adanaspor community,” Fenerbahce wrote on X.

Then, Cardiff City came up with a tear-jerking message to honor their previous captain during his passing. “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,” Cardiff wrote on X.

Sol Bamba has captained Cardiff City since 2016, upon joining the Premier League club. He led the PL side to an EFL Cup runners-up title win during his era.

“We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39.,” Leicester City posted on X. The Ivorian notably had a brief stint with the Foxes. He played a year in Leicester, appearing in 55 matches for the club.

Besides England, Italy, France, and Turkiye, Sol Bamba had taken his talents to Scotland. He played for the Scottish league club Hibernian after he left PSG in his initial phase. The Scottish side also wasted no time to say prayers to the legend. “Everyone at Hibernian Football Club is devastated 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.”

Having played against Sol Bamba in the championship and other tiers of English football, Wycombe Wanderers registered its shock. “Devastating. RIP Sol. 39 is no age,” it commented under Cardiff’s post.

Meanwhile, several fans from Turkiye and England took to different posts on X to mourn Sol Bamba’s untimely passing. Like all the fans and clubs, we too are shocked to learn that the soccer world would miss a potentially super-successful manager. It remains to be seen as to who succeeds the Ivorian icon in Adanaspor. Farewell legend Sol Bamba.