The Beautiful Game

A photo exploration of Bob's passion for football throughout his life

Bob Marley relaxing at a hotel in London (1978-07) by Dennis MorrisBob Marley: Legend

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."

Bob Marley playing football at 56 Hope Road (1978) by Peter MurphyBob Marley: Legend

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.

Bob Marley with Jack Ruby's Football team (1979)Bob Marley: Legend

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

Bob Marley playing football in Paris, France (1977-05-10)Bob 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.

Bob Marley playing money ball in a hotel room during Exodus Tour (1977-05)Bob Marley: Legend

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

Bob Marley and Neville Garrick at Battersea Park, London (1977-04) by Adrian BootBob 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

Bob Marley playing football in Paris (1977-05-09)Bob 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.

Bob Marley and his football team in Brazil (1980-03)Bob Marley: Legend

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.

Bob Marley & Eddie Grant at a Gym in Hammersmith, London, 1980-07-16, From the collection of: Bob Marley: Legend
,
Bob Marley and team takes a break at the Gym in Hammersmith, London., 1980-07-16, From the collection of: Bob Marley: Legend
Show lessRead more
Bob Marley and Eddie Grant football teams in London, 1980-07-16, From the collection of: Bob Marley: Legend
Show lessRead more

Bob Marley playing football in Miami (1980-09)Bob Marley: Legend

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.

Bob Marley playing football in Miami prior to the Uprising tour., 1980-09, From the collection of: Bob Marley: Legend
,
Bob Marley Playing football with a Jamaican Team against Haitian Team in Miami, FL, 1980-09, From the collection of: Bob Marley: Legend
Show lessRead more
Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
Bob Marley
Explore the life and legacy of the king of reggae
View theme
Google apps