The football world has been paying tribute to former Ivory Coast star Sol Bamba, whose death was confirmed on Saturday, August 31, 2024.
The former Cardiff and Middlesbrough player had been battling cancer and succumbed to the illness on Saturday.
Bamba, who was working as a technical director at Turkish second-division side Adanaspor, fell ill before the club's clash against Manisa FC on Friday. He was rushed to the Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, where he passed away.
The official statement from Adanaspor read: "Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club 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 graduated from Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy and made his senior debut for the club in 2004. He moved to England in 2011 when he joined Leicester City before playing for clubs like Leeds United, Cardiff City, and Middlesbrough. He retired from professional football in 2022.
At the international level, he represented Ivory Coast in 46 matches, scoring once, and was part of the squad that finished runners-up at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
The devastating news of Bamba’s demise swept across social media platforms, with football clubs, coaches, and stars paying tribute to him.
Among those who sent messages of commiseration to his family was Ghanaian footballer Albert Adomah, who shared a special video to express his emotions.
Read the tributes below
I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.
— Neil Warnock (@warnockofficial) September 1, 2024
I’m so happy that Sol was part of my life and we had such brilliant memories together.
I’m heartbroken for Chloe and the family and all my thoughts are with them.
Sol was a ray of sunshine and I’ll miss him so much. 💔 pic.twitter.com/yGst6lbX3Z
At the end of the day being a genuine lovely person is what matters. He was unbelievably lovely. Not surprised everyone loved him ❤️ https://t.co/hp5CKhHfcS
— Demba Ba (@dembabafoot) September 1, 2024
The world of football pays tribute to Sol Bamba 💙 pic.twitter.com/1HjV09SPj3
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 1, 2024
Paris Saint-Germain learned with deep sadness about the death of Sol Bamba, a former Parisian who came through the academy at the club.
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) September 1, 2024
The Club extends its sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/EOSXIwYJPB
We are all devastated to hear that our former defender, Sol Bamba, has passed away, aged 39.
— Leicester City (@LCFC) September 1, 2024
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… pic.twitter.com/wSER3qNLj9
My absolute heart 💔 Sol Bamba pic.twitter.com/Q9xXOGRAFZ
— Rachel Honey 💙 (@xhoney88x) August 31, 2024
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 .
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 31, 2024
Sol Bamba was a very good footballer and an absolute diamond of a man. Sol will never be forgotten for the games he played, the memories he made for so many fans and the uplifting effect he always had on people. Thoughts with Sol’s family and friends. Rest In Peace, Sol.
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) August 31, 2024
Terrible news tonight as Sol Bamba has passed away aged 39.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2024
Thoughts with his family. Rest in peace, Sol.
Former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba has died aged 39, Turkish club Adanaspor, where he was technical director, announced on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/GllrQdYT8s
— ESPN Africa (@ESPNAfrica) September 1, 2024
EK
