SOL BAMBA’S untimely death aged just 39 has seen an outpouring of emotion from the football world.
The Ivory Coast international passed away after falling ill while working in Turkey on Friday following a battle with cancer.
Bamba, who leaves behind wife Chloe and their three children, was a hugely popular figure within the game.
And the esteem with which he was held had been reflected by the messages shared on social media in the wake of his tragic passing.
Neil Warnock, who signed Bamba before leading Cardiff to the Premier League, paid a glowing tribute.
He wrote on X: “I can’t believe I won’t see that beaming smile again.
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“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.”
Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother – always there for me, will never forget.”
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Ex-Bluebirds 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.”
Junior Hoilett, who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro. Love Always.”
Ipswich’s Sam Morsy, who was with Bamba at Middlesbrough, wrote: “Ahhh man big Sol .. incredible human one of the best I’ve shared a dressing room with, at the start of his coaching career.”
Writing in Arabic, Morsy added: “We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”
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.
“Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.”
Current Cardiff left-back Callum O’Dowda said: “Heartbroken. Despite everything you went through, you epitomised the most positive outlook on life. A lesson I will hold forever. My thoughts are with your family.”
Bluebirds goalkeeper Jak Alnwick wrote: “Rest in peace Sol, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football.”
And Neil Etheridge, a team-mate of Bamba’s at Cardiff, said: “One of the nicest guys I have met off the field and on it.
“Always smiling, always so happy, always seeing the brighter side of life.
“When I joined the club, before he knew me, Sol treated me as a brother. When we got to know each other we became family. Rest in peace Sol.”
Ex-Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing wrote: “My guy always looked out for me. Love you brother.”
Cardiff, where Bamba made 118 appearances, said the centre-back was a “hero” and described his impact at the club as “immeasurable”.
Bamba’s health battles
Sol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 before undergoing four months of chemo.
He told Mail Sport in 2022: “After the first chemo I was down for four days.
“I could not get out of bed. I lost weight. After that, I told my missus, ‘I’m not going for the second round’. The way I was, in that moment, it was awful.”
But the defender quickly rose to the occasion and was lauded for raising awareness of the disease as he battled it head on.
Speaking to the Guardian in November last year he said: “The way I went about it, people gave me praise … it was too much.
“That’s just what I’m like. I understand some people prefer to shy away from it, but I’m different. I’m just being myself.
“Even clubs now are being careful now when they do medical checks, all the way from Premier League to League Two, which is massive. In our game we talk about injuries but you never think about cancer.”
Bamba was given the all-clear in May 2021, but said he still had to be “careful”, paying regular visits to the doctor.
“Unfortunately when you’ve had cancer once, you always have to double check and make sure it doesn’t come back,” he continued. “Is it behind me 100%? Well, I wish but you never know.”
Incredibly, he returned to playing football just five months after his diagnosis.
At the time of his comeback, he said: “When I was going through chemo, I never thought for one minute I would come back and play. And I never thought about scoring penalties at Old Trafford – nights like that seemed a million miles away.”
The club wrote: “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.”
Leeds – another former club – said in a post 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.”
Middlesbrough said: “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Sol Bamba at the age of 39.
“Our thoughts are with Sol’s family and friends at this time.”
A Football Association of Wales statement read: “The FAW is devastated to hear the sad news of Sol Bamba’s passing.
“Sol obtained his coaching badges with the FAW and was currently studying for his Uefa pro licence, where everyone he worked with admired his positivity and his love for the game.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Sol’s family, friends and everyone that knew him during this difficult time.”
Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff but managed to return to the field for the Bluebirds after being declared cancer-free following chemotherapy.
Wife’s statement
He had three children – Roonea, Lily and Amy.
Bamba’s wife Chloe paid tribute to the gentle giant in a heartbreaking statement.
She wrote: “For the last few years I have watched Sol fight his cancer head on with an astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism.
“Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31 August.
“These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it. I’ve experienced my worst days but also some of my best.
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“Sol accepted his fate as God’s will and left this earth knowing, without a shadow of a doubt, that he was loved wholeheartedly. I made sure of that.
“It was an honour to have loved and been loved by Sol. I learnt so much from him. He is my hero. My heart is breaking. What a gift, what a gift, what a gift to have been loved by him.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
