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Allan 'Skill' Cole - Rest in Power (October 14, 1950 - September 9, 2025)

09/10/2025 by Reggaeville

Allan 'Skill' Cole - Rest in Power (October 14, 1950 - September 9, 2025)

„The youngest ever to represent his nation at the age of 15, the first jamaican to sign a professional contract with a Brazilian club and a player who many believed to be the best in Jamaica’s history: ALLAN COLE - The man they called SKILL“ [from the Memories of the Cup Interview]

Allan 'Skill' Cole, Jamaican former footballer and tour manager & close friend of Bob Marley is dead!

The Jamaica Observer reported in today's edition: "Allan “Skill” Cole, former Santos and Jamaica football star and manager of reggae superstar Bob Marley, passed away on Tuesday evening. His daughter, Debbie Cole, confirmed that the ailing sports legend had died," the Jamaica Observer reported.

TRIBUTES
CAT COORE / THIRD WORLD
"Walk Good Allan Skill Cole. God Bless your eternal soul. Thank you for you legendary contributions to Jamaica and for being such a good friend over the years. Until we meet again brother."

HON. OLIVIA 'BABSY' GRANGE
"Tribute from the Honourable Olivia Grange on the passing of Allan Cole

I am truly saddened by the passing of Allan “Skill” Cole, who was Jamaica’s greatest footballer.

Skill, as we called him with much affection, was born to play the beautiful game of football. We recall with much pride that he started his international career for Jamaica just before his 15th birthday — still a national record.

We drew inspiration from his incredible skill and his unmatched records including his exploits in Brazil. As a Jamaican, Allan was the first “overseas” player to play in the Brazilian league. Just imagine that before Sklll, no foreigner played in the Brazilian league. In Brazil Allan not only played against but matched skill with Wolrd Cup winners, the great Pele and Jarizinho. Allan also contributed significantly to Jamaican music in his role as tour manager for Bob Marley and the Wailers and as co-song writer on the band’s mega hit, “War”. Alan “Skill” Cole was a dedicated son of Jamaica. He was a true patriot who served his country well. He made us walk with our heads held high.

We shall never forget his contribution.

I offer my sincerest condolences to his family, the football community, the music fraternity and all those who will mourn the passing of Allan “Skill” Cole.
We shall miss him."

HON. ANDREW HOLNESS
"Jamaica has lost a legend.
I am deeply saddened by the passing of Allan “Skill” Cole. 
Skill’s brilliance on the football field made him one of the greatest of his generation, a player who carried the pride and passion of Jamaica every time he stepped onto the field. His influence, however, stretched far beyond sports. As tour manager for Bob Marley & the Wailers and co-writer of the timeless anthem War, he became part of a cultural movement that defined an era and carried Jamaica’s voice to the world.
Allan “Skill” Cole lived a life of talent, courage, and impact. His legacy is etched in both our sporting and cultural history, and he will forever be remembered as one of Jamaica’s finest.
On behalf of the Government and people of Jamaica, I extend sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who loved and admired him.
May his soul rest in peace."

THE WAILERS
"Farewell to Allan “Skill” Cole — Jamaican football legend, youngest to play for the national team at 15, friend and road manager for Bob Marley and The Wailers. Rest in power." 

TONY GREGORY 
"Allan 'Skill' Cole, Jamaican football legend, has moved on to higher ground.
Farewell my brother. Condolences to his family, friends and fans."

MARK GOLDING
"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, a Jamaican legend who many consider our greatest ever footballer, with silky, elegant passing skills and ball control that were second to none. 

Skill’s unique and influential personality also had an impact on the development of reggae, through his close relationship with Bob Marley and other music legends of that era. I am grateful for having benefited from his generosity in sharing his deep, first-hand knowledge of the history of that seminal period of our cultural development.

Skill’s significant role and contributions deserve to be documented for posterity among the annals of Jamaica’s great personalities. I extend my condolences to his loved ones, friends, and fans. 

May his legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all. Rest in peace."
 

IN THE PRESS


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