FORMER Hibs and Dunfermline defender Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39.
The Ivorian centre-back, who took charge of Turkish 1.Lig side Adanaspor last month, tragically passed away after falling ill before his team’s match against Manisa BBSK on Friday night.
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The club have confirmed Bamba had later died in hospital.
A statement posted by the club 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 moved to Scottish football in 2006 when he signed for Dunfermline from PSG and spent two years with the Pars before joining Hibs in 2008.
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He was part of the Dunfermline team that lost 1-0 to Celtic in the 2007 Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
Bamba spent a further three years in Scotland at Easter Road after leaving Pars and became a fan favourite in Leith before heading down south to join Leicester City in 2011.
The Edinburgh club paid tribute to their former player on social media.
They wrote on X: “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.”
While at Leicester, Bamba played under Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had previously managed him with the Ivory Coast national team.
Spells in Turkey and Italy with Trabzonspor and Palermo then followed, before the defender headed back to England to join Leeds United in 2015.
He moved to Cardiff City in 2016 and helped earn the Bluebirds earn promotion to the Premier League by finishing runners-up in the Championship in the 2017/18 campaign.
During his time in WalesBamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and spent four months undergoing chemotherapy before making an emotional return in the final match of the 2020/21 season.
He retired in 2022 following a stint with Middlesbrough.
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Former club Leeds United wrote on X: “Everyone at #LUFC is devastated to learn of the news that former #LUFC captain Sol Bamba has passed away.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”
Cardiff hailed the defender as a “hero” and “true gentleman”.
The Welsh club said: “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.”
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Dunfermline also posted a tribute on social media, saying: “Everyone at #DAFC is shocked and saddened to hear the passing of former player Sol Bamba.
“Our thoughts are with his family, friends and team mates at this tragic time.”
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