One Love, One Game: Bob Marley’s Legacy in Football
Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
Ahead of Paramount Pictures’ highly anticipated release of Bob Marley: One Love on February 14th, which celebrates the legendary Jamaican reggae icon’s impact on the world with his timeless, soulful music, we at JNMEDIA wanted to look at another, lesser-known driving passion in his life that the film also prominently explores - football.
Exploring a competitive side to Bob Marley:
Growing up in Trench Town, Bob Marley clearly saw the similarities between the impacts of music and football, with both bringing people together from all walks of life, transcending socioeconomic boundaries, and creating a sense of unity, passion, and camaraderie in admiration for truly beautiful artforms.
Whether it was playing football before going on stage or with his friends in the park, it seemed the beautiful game allowed Marley to explore a more aggressive and competitive side in comparison to his harmonious music.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
In an interview in 1980, Marley said:
"I love music before I love football. If I love football first it maybe can be dangerous. I love music and then football after. Playing football and singing is dangerous because the football gets very violent. I sing about peace, love and all of that stuff, and something might happen y'know. If a man tackles you hard it bring feelings of war."
Which football teams did Marley support?
There are numerous pictures of Marley kicking around, with some giving an insight into his favourite teams and it was clear to see he was a massive fan of Brazillian football, both the national team and Santos, the team of Brazil legend Pele, who Marley was reportedly a huge admirer of.
Whilst visiting Brazil in preparation for a world tour in 1980, the Three Little Birds singer took part in a now iconic football match alongside Brazilian national team midfielder, Paulo César Caju. Marley was also a supporter of Tottenham Hotspur and was a fan of midfielder, Ossie Ardiles.
The influence Bob Marley had on the Jamaican National team was understandably immense, so much so that, the side’s most celebrated player, Allan Cole went on to become Marley’s tour manager after the pair had become close friends.
Image Courtesy of Paramount Pictures
How Three Little Birds became Ajax’s anthem:
One of Marley’s most beloved and successful songs, “Three Little Birds," has become synonymous with Dutch side, Ajax with it’s uplifting message and infectious melody calming the club’s fans after a pre-season friendly against Cardiff in 2008, where they were asked to stay in the stadium after the game and the song has been adopted as the anthem for the side ever since.
The bond between the Marley family and the club was solidified further when Bob’s son, Ky-Mani, sang the song at a game vs AEK Athens live at the Johan Cruijff Arena, with the home fans creating the ultimate goosebumps-worthy atmosphere. Ajax and Adidas also collaborated to mark the 40th anniversary of Marley’s death by releasing one of the most original and eye-catching away shirts in recent years with their breathtaking third shirt from the 21/22 season.
How his daughter, Cedella became the ‘fairy godmother of the Jamaican Women’s Team’
Bob Marley’s love of football clearly inspired the same passion for his daughter, Cedella, who went on to become an ambassador for the Jamaican Women’s team. Her financial backing saw the side qualify for their first Women’s World Cup in 2018.
Speaking to CNN Sport about her father’s love of the game, Cedella stated:
“Daddy played every day. He would play anywhere he was: on the road, you’d find a field, you’d find a team.
“Sometimes, it would be the photographers who were out there, you know; sometimes, it would be the journalists and it would be the band against the journalists.
“I watched him growing up, I also watch my brothers, Ziggy and Steve. They played football growing up, too, and it was just always something that I loved. I love to kick a ball and was super competitive when my brothers would challenge me.”
Unfortunately, it hasn’t been the fairytale ending for the ‘fairy godmother’s’ side as Cedella recently stepped down as ambassador of the side last month reportedly due to the side’s unfair treatment by the Jamaican FA, which has seen the players yet to receive full payment for playing in the 2023 World Cup.
Whether through the realm of musical story telling or adding to the scintillating atmosphere in football stadiums worldwide, Bob Marley's spirit continues to inspire unity, love, and positive change.
We can’t wait to watch Bob Marley: One Love which releases in cinemas across the UK on 14th February 2024.