Sol Bamba's heartbreaking fight with cancer and wife's final wish for 'hero' husband
Ivorian international defender Sol Bamba heartbreakingly passed away aged 39, three years after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer
Premier League footballer Sol Bamba had a long battle with cancer before his tragic death.
The Ivorian international defender, who starred for the likes of Cardiff City and Leeds United, fell ill in the lead-up to a weekend fixture and the club confirmed his sad death on Saturday. The star was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 but returned to playing that same year after announcing he was cancer-free.
His wife, Chloe, has now issued a heartbreaking statement and shed a light on his off-field battle. She shared how Bamba fought his diagnosis "head on", but added that it was "never a fair fight". As his families, colleagues and fans grieve their huge loss, the Mirror looks back at the footballer's devastating health battle.
READ MORE: Sol Bamba's poignant final tweet before tragic death of ex-Premier League player at 39
READ MORE: Sol Bamba tributes paid as former clubs reach out following tragic death at 39
Devastating cancer diagnosis
In January 2021, Bamba told his Cardiff City teammates that he had heartbreakingly been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a rare form of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. His manager Neil Harris later recalled the "very emotional" scene at the club's training ground.
Harris said in a video interview released by the Sky Bet Championship club: "It's very sad news and hard-hitting for everybody within the training ground and football club, and within the fan base as well. It's been a difficult week for everybody involved and I spoke to Sol regularly over the Christmas period when he first found out.
"We've got to a stage where he's had time to take it in and find out where he's at in terms of treatment for the cancer and what his next steps are. He's had time to digest that with the family and speak to them. He felt it was only right that he had the chance to come in on Monday and speak to the players and staff in person before releasing the statement.
"As you can imagine it was very emotional for everyone at the training ground, and it was a day that I'll never forget. Sol is an incredible human being. The humility of wanting to put people and their feelings in front of himself is astonishing, and we'll support Sol and his family in the battle ahead."
Bamba then spoke publicly for the first time about his cancer diagnosis, shortly after celebrating his 36th birthday. He wrote on Instagram: "Thank you for all your birthday and well wishes over the last few days. Your support at times has left me speechless and I'm sorry that I couldn't reply to every message but believe me I read them all! I know I'm going to get through this."
Gruelling cancer treatment
Bamba underwent six gruelling chemotherapy sessions before returning to training. Speaking to Sky Sports in May 2021 after he made his emotional return to the pitch for the first time to play in Cardiff's home game against Rotherham, he said: "I feel like I can't finish like that, I want to finish on my own terms.
"I've played the game long enough to enjoy every moment, especially at my age now. Ideally I want to finish in front of fans, I want to play for another year and do a tour around the country to thank them for all the support they gave me. I've worked hard to be in the position I'm in now and I want to carry on next season."
Talking about his comeback and cancer journey, he said: "I was absolutely buzzing [to play again]. It was a couple of seconds but the fact that I was back on the pitch with everything I've been through the last four months, it was pure joy. It was a long, long road, a very difficult time at times but the support I've had from all around the world has made me keep going.
"From minute one when I was diagnosed with cancer, I looked for the next step. Of course, during those four months there were doubts because I went through chemotherapy and after a few sessions sometimes I was very sick but very quickly after, when I felt better, I knew I was going to come back."
Cancer-free news
In May 2021, Bamba shared the news that he was cancer-free. He wrote on Twitter : "Just a quick message to inform you that I'm now cancer free! It is of course an incredibly heartwarming news for my family and I, we are over the moon right now.
"I really want to thank each and everyone that has been supporting me, whether it's been with a comment, a message, a like or whatever, that definitely gave me extra strength to go through this. Above all, I want to thank the family at the NHS who took such good care of me, I will always be grateful for your job."
He added: "Thank you to all my family, my friends and of course the club and everyone one in the football industry that has helped me facing this challenge. I wish you all a blessed day and hopefully will see you soon again on the pitch."
Wife's heartbreaking message
Tragically, Bamba's battle was not over. His wife Chloe took to Instagram today to share a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband, candidly writing how difficult the last few years have been. 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 31st August." Chloe shared how she made sure that Sol knew he was 'loved wholeheartedly' before he passed away.
She continued: "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. 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."
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