Love of the Game
Bob is famously quoted as saying, "football is freedom," and he often used the game as such—a break from the rigors of life as a touring musician. "If you want to get to know me, you will have to play football against me and the Wailers."
An Everyday Affair
While in Jamaica between tours, Bob played nearly everyday with whoever came by at his home and band HQ at 56 Hope Road in Kingston.
Hometown Support
He even visited various clubs around the island to watch and support, or sometimes play with them. Here, Bob is with producer Jack Ruby and the local team from his hometown in Saint Ann.
Bob Marley and Seeco at Boys Town football field (1974) by Le JaffeBob Marley: Legend
The Game Continues
Even on tour, the ball always came with him. If they had the time, Bob and crew would find a local pitch and drum a scrimmage with locals. Otherwise, they'd play at the venue between sound check and showtime.
Money Ball
Even back at the hotels during tours, Bob and band would play a game called "Money Ball"—essentially they just kicked the ball to each other, and whoever broke something had to pay for it.
Bob Marley playing money ball in a hotel in Italy (1980-07)Bob Marley: Legend
Battersea Park
While living in London during the making of Exodus (and parts of Kaya), Bob and crew would hit the nearby Battersea Park in Chelsea during the day before recording sessions at night.
Bob Marley playing in a football match at Battersea Park in London (1977-04) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley playing football at Battersea Park, London (1977-04) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley playing football at Battersea Park, London (1977-04) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley and crew at a soccer match at Battersea Park, London (1977-04) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
Misstep in Paris
Just before the start of the Exodus tour, Bob met up with press at a local pitch and started up a scrimmage. One journalist stepped on Bob's foot during a tackle—a wound that never healed, and he ended up spending the entire tour in sandals. Turns out, he had a melanoma under his toe nail. Even still, he never stopped playing.
Brazil
On a March 1980 visit to Brazil, musician Chico Buarque invite Bob to play on his private pitch with friends and even some professional footballers like Brazilian football legend Paulo Cézar.
Chico Buarque, Bob Marley & Toquinho in Brazil playing football (1980-03)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley and Brazilian football star Paulo Cezar (1980-03)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley playing football in Brazil. (1980-03)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley takes a football break in Brazil (1980-03)Bob Marley: Legend
Uprising
Just after the European leg of his final tour (Uprising), Bob and crew met up with British reggae artist Eddie Grant at a gymnasium in Hammersmith, London.
The Final Match
In what was likely his final match before becoming ill, Bob played on the Am-Jam (America-Jamaica) football team against Haiti in September 1980 before heading out on the U.S. leg of the Uprising tour.
