Former Leeds and Cardiff defender Bamba dies aged 39

Sol Bamba, the former Leeds United, Leicester City, Cardiff City and Hibernian defender, has died at the age of 39.

The centre-back, who began his career with Paris St-Germain and also played for Dunfermline and Middlesbrough, was part of the Cardiff side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2018.

The Ivory Coast international, who overcame non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 during his playing days at Cardiff, had been working at Turkish club Adanaspor who announced the news on Saturday night.

A club statement said: "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."

Leeds, who Bamba captained during his time at Elland Road between 2015 and 2016, also paid tribute by saying they are "devastated to learn of the news that former captain Sol Bamba has passed away".

Leeds added: "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."