Former Cardiff defender Lee Peltier wrote on X: “Love you brother. Rest easy my big brother always there for me, will never forget.”

Ex-Cardiff defender and manager Mark Hudson said: “Never had the chance to witness what a truly great man and leader you were.

“We have shared stories and I loved our chats however brief. My heart goes out to Sol’s family. I am devastated for you.”

Cyrus Christie said: “This news has shook me to my core. Only the other day we spoke as you started your managerial career.

“Fly high brother, may your soul rest in peace. One of the nicest and most humble guys to grace this game. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family.”

Junior Hoilett, who won promotion with Cardiff alongside Bamba, said: “RIP Big Bro Love Always.”

Andy Campbell, who played for both Cardiff and Boro, said: “Awful news, a genuinely gorgeous human being.”

Ipswich Town’s Sam Morsy, who was with Bamba at Middlesbrough, commented: “Ahhh man big Sol .. incredible human one of the best I’ve shared a dressing room with at the start of his coaching career.”

Writing in Arabic, Morsy added: “We belong to Allah and to him we shall return.”

Current Cardiff left-back Callum O’Dowda said: “Heartbroken. Despite everything you went through, you epitomised the most positive outlook on life. A lesson I will hold forever. My thoughts are with your family.”

Bluebirds goalkeeper Jak Alnwick wrote: “Rest in peace Sol, one of the nicest guys I’ve ever come across in football.”

And Neil Etheridge, a teammate of Bamba’s at Cardiff, said: “One of the nicest guys I have met off the field and on it.

“Always smiling, always so happy, always seeing the brighter side of life.

“When I joined the club, before he knew me, Sol treated me as a brother. When we got to know each other we became family. Rest in peace Sol.”

Ex-Cardiff winger Nathaniel Mendez-Laing wrote: “My guy always looked out for me. Love you brother.”