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‘Long live the King’ - Nation mourns passing of football legend Allan ‘Skill’ Cole
September 11, 2025
The Jamaica football fraternity mourns the passing of local football legend Allan 'Skill' Cole on Tuesday evening.
'Skill' Cole, as he was affectionately called, was 75 at the time of his passing.
Locally he played for high schools Vere Technical and Kingston College, and Real Mona, Port Morant United, Boys' Town, and Santos football clubs which is domiciled in Vineyard Town, Kingston, where he spent practically all his life, and the club with which he was mostly associated.
Cole also played professionally in the United States with the Atlanta Hawks, and in Brazil with Nautica.
He also coached for several years, including National Premier League clubs Port Morant FC and Arnett Gardens FC.
During his heyday, the Rastafarian maestro, known for his superb technical ability and flair, was revered by Jamaica's football public, and many believe he is the best footballer the island has produced.
Santos FC President, Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis, says Cole is the best footballer to come out of the Caribbean
"Allan Cole was a phenomenon. He was fantastic. He does things other players only dream of. Only the Brazilians you see do those things," Dennis said.
"He is the only man from this part of the world to get a contract to go to Brazil, so what can I say about the man. He was special, he was great. 'Long live the King'," Dennis told STAR Sports.
"For the last few months, every day he was at the club walking. We played French (dominoes), so we are very close. And every time Allan is here (at Santos club) walking, I would say to the youngsters, you see him, he is the greatest thing to come from this region."
KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG
Cole had been hospitalised for some time, and Dennis said he knew something was wrong when he stopped showing up for his walks.
"I knew something was wrong when I didn't hear from him over the weekend to go to 'Bop' (Kenneth) Campbell's funeral. I was calling his phone and not getting him.
"It's just sad. I didn't even get to see the (Jamaica-Trinidad & Tobago) game because I was devastated," he said.
"Allan was magical. He was fantastic. Condolences to his family," he added.
ULTIMATE SHOWMAN
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President, Michael Ricketts, pointed out that he watched Cole for many years, saying he was the ultimate showman.
"I saw a lot of the great Vere team that included the Blair Brothers, the late Kenneth 'Bob' Campbell, Orville Edwards, a Trinidadian name Anthony Douglas and, of course, Allan," said Ricketts.
"I would have seen Allan for decades and he has always thrilled and entertained his fans.
"He must go down as one of the greatest footballers this country has ever seen. And I dare to say if Allan was playing now, he would have impacted the world," Ricketts commented.
PIONEERS
He said players such as Cole and Lindy Delapenha, before him, were pioneers for Jamaica's players moving overseas.
"Allan and Lindy Delapenha would have been the trailblazers for a number of youngsters who now ply their footballing trade overseas. He would have set the stage and was such a great entertainer.
"I want to personally, on behalf of the JFF, offer my sincere condolences to family members and close friends of a legend, an icon, and may his soul rest in peace."
Minister of Sports, Olivia 'Babsy' Grange, said she also is truly sad at Cole's passing.
"Skill, as we called him with much affection, was born to play the beautiful game. We recall with much pride that he started his international career for Jamaica just before his 15th birthday -- that's still a national record," Grange said.
"We drew inspiration from his incredible skills and his unmatched records, including his exploits in Brazil.
"Our Jamaican was the first to play in the Brazilian league. Before 'Skill', no foreigner had played in the Brazilian league," she pointed out.
"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 (song), War.
"I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and all those who mourn him today. We shall miss him."
The Kingston and St Andrew Football Association (KSAFA) also paid tribute to Cole, saying: "Allan Cole's profound influence on the beautiful game of football in Jamaica is immeasurable. His sublime ball artistry and exploits as a player ignited passion and attracted thousands of fans locally and internationally during the early and mid-1970s.
"As a key player for Santos FC, Cole played a pivotal role in the team's dominance of the National Premier League during its early years. His impact on the development of football in Jamaica will forever be remembered and cherished."
