Adanaspor coach Sol Bamba’s sudden death at 39 shocks football world
Late Adanaspor coach Sol Bamba in action, Adana, Türkiye, August 23, 2024. (Photo via Instagram / @solbamba)
The world-renowned Adanaspor coach Sol Bamba died on Aug. 31, at the age of 39.
Coach Bamba was a former professional footballer and played for Leeds United, Leicester City, and Cardiff City.
He, unfortunately, fell ill while preparing his team for their match against Manisa FK in the Trendyol 1. Lig.
Despite immediate medical attention at Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, doctors could not save him.
Sol Bamba’s sudden illness, hospitalization in Manisa
The tragedy occurred just before Adanaspor’s fourth-week match against Manisa FK. Bamba, who had been in good spirits, suddenly felt unwell. The club immediately called an ambulance, and he was rushed to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital.
In a statement on social media, Adanaspor expressed their grief, saying, “Our coach, Souleymane Bamba, was taken to Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital after falling ill before our match against Manisa FK. Unfortunately, he lost his battle for life there. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and our entire community.”
Sol Bamba’s senior career
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004–2006 | Paris Saint-Germain | 1 | (0) |
| 2006–2008 | Dunfermline Athletic | 39 | (0) |
| 2008–2011 | Hibernian | 75 | (4) |
| 2011–2012 | Leicester City | 52 | (3) |
| 2012–2014 | Trabzonspor | 27 | (0) |
| 2014–2015 | Palermo | 1 | (0) |
| 2015 | → Leeds United (loan) | 19 | (1) |
| 2015–2016 | Leeds United | 32 | (4) |
| 2016–2021 | Cardiff City | 112 | (10) |
| 2021–2022 | Middlesbrough | 24 | (0) |
| Total | 382 | (22) |
| Managerial Career | Years | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Adanaspor |
Coach Bamba’s football career, battle with cancer
Sol Bamba was born on January 13, 1985, in France to Ivorian parents. He began his football career at the age of 14 with Paris Saint-Germain. After a brief stint in the first team, he moved to various clubs across Europe, including Dunfermline Athletic, Hibernian, Leicester City, and Trabzonspor.
His time at Trabzonspor from 2012 to 2014 left a lasting impact, as the club acknowledged his contribution with a condolence message, stating, “We learned with deep sadness about the death of Sol Bamba, who played for our team between 2012 and 2014. We send our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
In 2021, Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He fought bravely against the disease and was declared cancer-free in 2024. However, his illness returned just days before his death.
Funeral arrangements for Adanaspor’s Sol Bamba, national mourning
Bamba had only joined Adanaspor as head coach in July 2024, marking his return to Türkiye’s football scene. His sudden death shocked the Turkish football community. The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) issued a condolence message and announced that all professional matches in the country would observe a minute of silence in his honor.
“We learned with deep sorrow about the passing of Adanaspor’s head coach Souleymane Bamba. We send our deepest condolences to his family and the entire Turkish football community,” the TFF stated.
Bamba’s body will be transported to his homeland, Ivory Coast, for burial. Diplomats from Türkiye and Ivory Coast are currently arranging a direct flight for his remains.
