00:00A giant mural dedicated to Cardiff City legend Sol Bamba is being painted here in Cardiff,
00:11a year on from the Defenders' tragic passing.
00:14The striking artwork shows Sol sporting his trademark salute celebration, a moment Bluebirds
00:19fans came to know so well during his time at the club, being painted on the side of
00:23a building at the junction of Panath Road and Clive Street, less than half a mile from
00:27Cardiff City Stadium, a fitting landmark for a man whose name became synonymous with the
00:32Bluebirds.
00:34Bamba joined Cardiff in 2016 and quickly established himself as a leader on and off the pitch.
00:40It was central to Neil Warnock's side that won promotion to the Premier League in 2018, bringing
00:45Premier League football back to the capital for only the second time in the club's history.
00:51That following season, Sol played in the heart of defence during Cardiff's battle to stay up
00:55against some of the biggest names in world football.
00:58Though the Bluebirds were ultimately relegated, his performances, commitment and passion cemented
01:04his place as one of the most beloved players of his generation.
01:08Sports will tell you he wasn't just a defender, he was a symbol of Cardiff's resolve.
01:14Fans will also remember his emotional return after recovering from cancer in 2021, when he
01:18came off the bench to a standing ovation at Cardiff City Stadium in the final minute of the season.
01:23It was a moment that summed up everything about Sol, determination, strength and his unbreakable
01:28connection with supporters.
01:33Sadly, Sol passed away last year at the age of just 39, after falling ill while working
01:37in Turkey as head coach of Adana Sport.
01:40His death sent shockwaves through the footballing world, with tributes pouring in from teammates,
01:44opponents, coaches and fans.
01:46Many described him not just as a player, but a leader, mentor and friend, who left an impression
01:52wherever he went.
01:56At the end of August, Cardiff City marked the one year anniversary during their home game
02:00against Plymouth Argyle.
02:01In the 14th minute, Sol's shirt number, the Stadium Roses won for a minute's applause, including
02:06the away fans.
02:07Chants of his name and even a chorus of last Christmas, that famous song, sung in his honour
02:11during his playing days, rang out across the ground.
02:14The scenes were emotional, but also uplifting.
02:16A true celebration of a life that touched so many in Cardiff.
02:19The club has said his impact as both a player and a coach was immeasurable, describing him
02:24simply as a hero.
02:25Supporters groups have said the mural will ensure his presence remains close to the stadium
02:30he lit up so many times.
02:32Once a Bluebird, always a Bluebird, Sol Bamber's legacy will live on in the city, in the club
02:37and the hearts of Cardiff fans for generations to come.
02:42He's remembered alongside some other tragic losses in Cardiff's recent history.
02:46As a city with a proud sporting heritage, murals like these and dedications to other players
02:51who've sadly lost their lives are a tragic but poignant part of Cardiff's story.
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