KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC – Jamaica has lost one of its most iconic sporting sons with the passing of football maestro Allan “Skill” Cole. The legendary striker, whose name became synonymous with breathtaking talent, died on Tuesday at the University Hospital of the West Indies in Kingston following an illness. He was 74.
Cole’s career was the stuff of national legend. Hailed as the most outstanding football talent the island has ever produced, he announced his arrival on the world stage with a stunning debut, becoming the youngest player ever selected for the Jamaican national team at just 15 years old.
His legacy was cemented over a storied international career that included three FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns, where he dazzled fans and confounded opponents with his innate technical ability and flair as a forward.
His prodigious talent carried him to professional heights abroad that were unprecedented for a Jamaican player of his era. Cole showcased his skills in the United States with the Atlanta Chiefs before achieving a landmark move to Brazil.
There, he played for Clube Náutico Capibaribe, where his contributions were pivotal in propelling the historic club to its first National Championship appearance in over a decade.
Beyond the pitch, Cole was also known for his deep, personal friendship with reggae icon Bob Marley, a bond that connected two of Jamaica’s most beloved figures across music and sport.
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