A new mural celebrating two Middlesbrough footballing icons, Ugo Ehiogu and Sol Bamba, has been unveiled at the Riverside Stadium. The artwork, created by artist Dan Walls, was revealed in front of their friends and family, paying tribute to two players who left a lasting impact on the club and its supporters.
Both Ehiogu and Bamba were posthumously awarded legacy numbers 697 for Ehiogu and 946 for Bamba in recognition of their contributions to Middlesbrough FC. The mural was met with a warm round of applause as those in attendance remembered two fan favourites who were lost too soon.
Ehiogu, who played over 150 games for Middlesbrough, was a key figure during one of the club’s most successful periods. Known for his leadership and passion for the game, he left an enduring legacy both on and off the pitch. He tragically passed away in 2017 at the age of 44 following a cardiac arrest.
Bamba, an Ivory Coast international, first joined Middlesbrough as a coach in 2021. After overcoming cancer, he made a remarkable return to senior football, making 29 appearances for the club. His determination and infectious personality made him a beloved figure among fans. Sadly, his cancer returned, and he passed away in August 2024 at the age of 39.
The mural was made possible with the help of Shaun Campbell from the Arthur Wharton Foundation, ensuring that the memory of these two footballing heroes will live on at the Riverside Stadium for years to come.
Project Middlesbrough 
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