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The Jamaican football fraternity is mourning the loss of Allan “Skill” Cole, the legendary former Santos and national midfielder.
Cole passed away yesterday evening (September 9) at the age of 74.
The legendary footballer was widely regarded as one of the island’s greatest players.
Cole burst onto the scene in the 1960s with Vere Technical, netting 38 goals in his debut season in 1965.
At just 15, he made history as the youngest ever to represent Jamaica’s senior team, debuting against Brazil.
His talent took him overseas, where he played with the Atlanta Chiefs in the late 1960s and later with Brazil’s Náutico in the early 1970s.
Off the field, Cole became a cultural figure, notably managing Bob Marley’s 1980 tour.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness remembered him as a man whose legacy runs deep in both sport and culture.
FIFA also recognised his impact, with then-president Sepp Blatter presenting him with a special plaque in 2010 for his contribution to Jamaican football.