Former Cardiff Metropolis and Leeds United defender Saul Bamba has died aged 39.
Bamba was employed by Turkish membership Adanaspor, who introduced the information on Saturday evening.
A membership assertion learn: “Our technical director Suleiman Bamba fell ailing earlier than yesterday’s match towards Manisa FC and was taken to Manisa Jalal Bayar College Hospital the place he sadly misplaced his life. life.
Bamba was identified with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 2021 whereas at Cardiff however was declared clear after a course of chemotherapy and has performed for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough once more.
He additionally performed for Leicester Metropolis, Hibernian and Dunfermline throughout his profession, in addition to making 46 appearances for the Ivory Coast nationwide workforce.
“Everybody at LUFC is devastated to be taught of the passing of former LUFC captain Saul Bamba,” Leeds United stated in an announcement posted on X.
“Our condolences exit to his household and associates at this tragic time. Relaxation in peace, Saul, you’ll at all times be in our hearts.”
Cardiff Metropolis stated Bamba was “a hero to us all, a pacesetter in each dressing room and a real gentleman”.
Middlesbrough wrote: “We had been deeply saddened to be taught of the loss of life of Sol Bamba on the age of 39. Our ideas are with Sol’s household and associates right now. Relaxation in peace.”
The Soccer Affiliation stated it was “deeply saddened” to be taught of Bamba’s loss of life.
Born in France to Ivorian mother and father, Bamba started his enjoying profession at Paris Saint-Germain earlier than failing to determine himself within the first workforce and shifting to Scotland.
He helped Dunfermline attain the Scottish Cup closing in his first season earlier than shifting to Hibs in 2011 after which to Leicester Metropolis.
After spells in Turkey and Italy, he joined Leeds United and captained the membership, whereas in his first full season with Cardiff he helped the membership acquire promotion to the Premier League.
He revamped 100 appearances for the Bluebirds and served as assistant coach for six months in 2023.
Bamba represented Cote d’Ivoire on the 2008 Olympics and took part within the 2012 African Cup of Nations. Two years later he performed his final worldwide match.
