Former Premier League defender Sol Bamba has died at the age of 39 after falling ill before a match in Turkey.

Bamba, who used to play for Cardiff City and captained Leeds United, was the technical director at Turkish side Adanspor.

A club statement read: “Our technical director Souleymane Bamba, who fell ill before the match against Manisa Football Club 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 was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy and returned to play again for the Bluebirds and Middlesbrough.

His career also took in the likes of Leicester, Hibernian and Dunfermline, in addition to 46 international appearances for the Ivory Coast.

Leeds United said they are “devastated” by the news.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends at this tragic time,” a statement read.

“Rest in peace, Sol, you will be forever in our hearts.”

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Bamba finished his career with Middlesbrough, where he played for one season.

The club said their thoughts are “with Sol’s family and friends at this time”.

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