Former Premier League star Sol Bamba has died aged 39

The centre-back – who initially overcame cancer in 2021 and was believed to be in the clear – tragically passed away on Saturday aged just 39, as The Sun reports.

The former Ivory Coast international fell ill on Friday (Saturday AEST) while working for Turkish side Adanaspor before passing away hours later.

Turkish outlet hurriyet reported that he “fell ill before the Manisa FK match due to a relapse of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma”.

Just days before his death, Bamba posted a heartbreaking tribute to ex-England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson following his passing from terminal cancer.

Bamba’s heartbroken wife Chloe – with whom he shared children Roonea, Lily and Amy – praised his “astounding mental and physical strength and stoicism” during his health battle.

She said: “Unfortunately, it was never a fair fight and just when things were looking up he took a downturn and finally succumbed on 31st August.”

Then added: “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.”

Bamba was known as one of the good guys of football and made 51 appearances for Leeds United and 24 for Middlesbrough.

Cardiff City said Bamba was a “club legend” and his death brought them the “deepest sadness”.

“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.”

Leeds United 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 FC 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.”

Former club Trabzonspor paid a heartbreaking tribute to their former player who made 27 appearances.

They said in a statement: “We have learned with deep sorrow the passing of Adanaspor Coach Sol Bamba, who wore our jersey between 2012-2014.

“May God have mercy on him and we offer our condolences to his family and all his loved ones.”

He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma on Christmas Eve 2020 but had beaten it after undergoing four months of chemotherapy and was declared cancer-free.

Bamba was born in France but made 46 appearances for the country of his parents’ birth – Ivory Coast.

After playing he stayed with football and moved into management as an assistant manager with Cardiff City in 2023.

He was technical director of Turkish side Adanaspor this year.

That club shared a tribute to the manager saying he “fell ill” before a match and “was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital and unfortunately lost his battle for life there.

“Our condolences to his family and our community.”