The football world has paid tribute to Sol Bamba following his death aged 39.The former Cardiff City, Leeds United and Hibernian defender overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but died on Saturday in Turkey, where he was working for Adanaspor, after being admitted to hospital.
The Ivory Coast defender – who also had spells with clubs including Leicester City, Middlesbrough and Dunfermline Athletic – won promotion with Cardiff in the 2017-18 season.
Bamba’s former team-mates, clubs and fans have reacted to the news of his death.
Sol Bamba played in all 46 Championship matches during the 2017-18 season as Cardiff City gained promotion to the Premier League under Neil Warnock.
Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother – always there for me, will never forget.”
Ex-Cardiff defender and manager Mark Hudson said: “Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were.
“We have shared stories and I loved our chats, however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you.”
Former Middlesbrough defender Cyrus Christie said: “This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career.
