Liberia is in mourning following the death of former Lone Star midfielder John Tarkpoh Sonkailey, who passed away on Monday at SD Cooper Hospital in Monrovia. He was 38 years old.
The news was confirmed by his longtime friend Nicodemus Jacobs, who said Sonkailey had recently returned to Monrovia from Nimba County, where he had sought treatment for what was initially believed to be a common cold. He was a resident of the Peace Island community in Congo Town.
Sonkailey was a beloved figure in Liberian football, a quiet warrior on the pitch known for his thunderous long-range strikes, humble personality, and unwavering commitment to the game. His sudden passing has left the football community stunned and heartbroken.
A Meteoric Rise
Sonkailey burst onto the local football scene in 2003 with Mighty Blue Angels, a Second Division team at the time. That year, he played a pivotal role in their Liberia Football Association Knockout Cup triumph, most notably scoring a sensational long-range goal against LPRC Oilers, an effort that is still fondly remembered by fans.
The same year, he earned a call-up to the Lone Star, making his debut in front of a roaring crowd at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium. Liberia, trailing 2–0 from the first leg against The Gambia, turned the tie around with a 3–0 home victory. Sonkailey’s entrance onto the national stage was as dramatic as it was promising.
Club Career and International Legacy
After short spells with Mighty Barrolle and LPRC Oilers, Sonkailey moved abroad in 2005, launching an international career in Indonesia. He played for several clubs over nearly a decade, including Persita Ternate and Persijap Jepara, where he made his final professional appearance in 2014.
In total, he earned five caps for Liberia, with his last appearance coming in 2008, a rain-drenched Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Equatorial Guinea that ended in a goalless draw.
Though his international career was brief, his presence was always felt. His goals, particularly from distance, were not just crowd-pleasers, they were game-changers.
“A Gentle Soul Who Let His Feet Speak”
Those who knew him describe Sonkailey as soft-spoken, humble, and kind. He was never the loudest in the room, but he always led by example on the field. Friends, teammates, and fans alike admired his quiet confidence and dedication to his craft.
“He was a gentle soul, a true patriot, and a footballer who let his talent speak louder than words,” said one former teammate.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight in recent years, Sonkailey’s impact remained. His performances inspired a generation of young Liberian footballers to dream bigger and kick harder.
Liberia Says Goodbye
As tributes pour in from across the football community, one thing is clear: John Tarkpoh Sonkailey will never be forgotten. His legacy is not only in the goals he scored or the matches he played, but in the spirit and passion he brought to every game.
Rest well, legend. Your boots may be retired, but your memory will always play on in Liberia’s heart.
