{{short description|English footballer (born 1995)}} {{Use British English|date=December 2023}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2024}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Devante Cole |image = Devante Cole October 2025.jpg |caption = Cole with Port Vale in 2025. |full_name = Devante Lavon Andrew Dewar-Cole<ref name="bdfutbol">{{cite web |title=Cole, Devante Lavon Andrew Dewar-Cole - Footballer {{!}} BDFutbol |url=https://www.bdfutbol.com/en/j/j67683.html |website=www.bdfutbol.com |access-date=30 July 2025}}</ref> |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|5|10|df=y}}<ref name="bdfutbol"/> |birth_place = Alderley Edge, England<ref name="bdfutbol"/> |height = {{height|ft=6|in=1}}<ref name="MEN"/> |position = Striker |currentclub = Luton Town |clubnumber = 22 |youthyears1 = 2003–2014 |youthclubs1 = Manchester City |years1 = 2014–2015 |clubs1 = Manchester City |caps1 = 0 |goals1 = 0 |years2 = 2014–2015 |clubs2 = → Barnsley (loan) |caps2 = 19 |goals2 = 5 |years3 = 2015 |clubs3 = → Milton Keynes Dons (loan) |caps3 = 14 |goals3 = 3 |years4 = 2015–2016 |clubs4 = Bradford City |caps4 = 19 |goals4 = 5 |years5 = 2016–2018 |clubs5 = Fleetwood Town |caps5 = 77 |goals5 = 17 |years6 = 2018–2020 |clubs6 = Wigan Athletic |caps6 = 6 |goals6 = 0 |years7 = 2018–2019 |clubs7 = → Burton Albion (loan) |caps7 = 13 |goals7 = 2 |years8 = 2019–2020 |clubs8 = → Motherwell (loan) |caps8 = 19 |goals8 = 4 |years9 = 2020 |clubs9 = Doncaster Rovers |caps9 = 9 |goals9 = 0 |years10 = 2020–2021 |clubs10 = Motherwell |caps10 = 27 |goals10 = 11 |years11 = 2021–2024 |clubs11 = Barnsley |caps11 = 115 |goals11 = 34 |years12 = 2024–2025 |clubs12 = West Bromwich Albion |caps12 = 14 |goals12 = 0 |years13 = 2025–2026 |clubs13 = Port Vale |caps13 = 19 |goals13 = 6 |years14 = 2026– |clubs14 = Luton Town |caps14 = 12 |goals14 = 0 |nationalyears1 = 2011 |nationalteam1 = England U16 |nationalcaps1 = 5 |nationalgoals1 = 2 |nationalyears2 = 2011–2012 |nationalteam2 = England U17 |nationalcaps2 = 9 |nationalgoals2 = 3 |nationalyears3 = 2012 |nationalteam3 = England U18 |nationalcaps3 = 1 |nationalgoals3 = 1 |nationalyears4 = 2014 |nationalteam4 = England U19 |nationalcaps4 = 2 |nationalgoals4 = 1 |club-update = 16:21, 25 April 2026 (UTC) }} '''Devante Lavon Andrew Dewar-Cole''' (born 10 May 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for {{English football updater|LutonTow}} club Luton Town. He has represented England up to under-19 level, though he received a call to represent Jamaica in November 2023.
Cole came through the Academy at Manchester City, playing on loan at Barnsley and Milton Keynes Dons in the 2014–15 season, helping the Dons to achieve promotion out of League One. In August 2015, he signed for Bradford City, then was sold on to Fleetwood Town in January 2016. He scored 22 goals in 94 appearances in all competitions over two years. He joined Wigan Athletic in January 2018, though never established himself in the first XI. He spent time on loan at Burton Albion and Motherwell, before he was transferred to Doncaster Rovers in January 2020. He joined Motherwell on a permanent basis in October 2020 before rejoining another former club, Barnsley, in June 2021. He scored 36 goals in 129 league and cup appearances across three seasons. He signed with West Bromwich Albion in July 2024, though was unable to establish himself in the Championship and returned to League One with Port Vale in September 2025. He was sold on to Luton Town four months later.
==Early and personal life== Cole was born in Alderley Edge on 10 May 1995.<ref name = "MCFC">{{cite web|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/elite-development-squad/forwards/devante-cole|title=Profile|access-date=19 August 2014|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819135557/http://www.mcfc.co.uk/elite-development-squad/forwards/devante-cole|url-status=dead}}</ref> He is the son of the former Manchester United, Newcastle United and England striker Andy Cole.<ref name = "father">{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/andy-cole-how-my-son-ended-up-at-citys-academy-1789946.html|title=Andy Cole: How my son ended up at City's academy|date=19 September 2009|access-date=19 August 2014|author=Nick Harris|work=The Independent}}</ref> He stated that he is a different type of player to his father, who played in the same position,<ref name = "MEN">{{cite web|url=http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/manchester-city-starlet-devante-cole-6937121|title=City starlet Cole in search of first silverware|date=8 April 2014|access-date=19 August 2014|author=Stuart Brennan|publisher=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and that he wanted to make a name for himself.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13648183.Cole_aims_to_carve_name_for_himself_as_Bradford_City_hitman/|title=Cole aims to carve name for himself as Bradford City hitman|date=4 September 2015|access-date=4 September 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> His paternal grandparents migrated to England from Jamaica in the 1960s; his grandfather worked as a miner.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/andrew-cole-play-it-straight-with-me-and-ill-be-straight-no-curve-balls-6148116.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819145121/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/andrew-cole-play-it-straight-with-me-and-ill-be-straight-no-curve-balls-6148116.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=19 August 2014|title=Andrew Cole: 'Play it straight with me, and I'll be straight. No curve balls'|date=17 April 2005|access-date=19 August 2014|author=Jason Burt|work=The Independent}}</ref> Cole attended the North Cestrian School in Altrincham, and at age 13 stated that he supported Manchester City and would like a career in computers if he did not make it as a footballer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anything you can do, Dad... |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/local-news/anything-you-can-do-dad-974566 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=12 January 2013 |language=en}}</ref>
==Club career== ===Manchester City=== Cole joined Premier League club Manchester City in April 2003,<ref name = "MCFC"/> at the age of seven.<ref name = "father"/> He had previously spent a day training with city rivals Manchester United.<ref name = "father"/> His first involvement with the Manchester City first team came in July 2013 when he was selected for a pre-season friendly tour of South Africa, subsequently playing against SuperSport United.<ref name = "MCFC"/> He featured heavily in the 2013–14 UEFA Youth League, scoring six goals and finishing as the second-highest scorer overall as City made a run to the quarter-final stage of the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mcfc.co.uk/news/match-reports/2014/march/city-u19s-v-benfica-uefa-youth-league-18-march|title=Manchester City U19 1 – 2 Benfica U19|access-date=23 September 2014|publisher=Manchester City F.C.|archive-date=11 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411042638/http://mcfc.co.uk/News/Match-reports/2014/March/City-u19s-v-Benfica-UEFA-Youth-League-18-March|url-status=dead}}</ref> In July 2014, youth team coach Patrick Vieira took his players off the pitch after an alleged racist incident in a friendly game, following a similar incident where Cole was racially abused by opposition players and supporters during a UEFA Youth League match against Atlético Madrid five months earlier.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Markham |first1=Carl |title=Patrick Vieira praised for taking Manchester City players off pitch |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/patrick-vieira-praised-for-taking-manchester-city-players-off-pitch-after-racist-incident-9623486.html |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=The Standard |date=23 July 2014 |language=en}}</ref>
On 19 August 2014, Cole signed on loan for Barnsley until 5 January.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/28854261|title=Man City striker Devante Cole joins Barnsley on loan|date=19 August 2014|access-date=19 August 2014|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He made his professional debut the same day, appearing as a substitute in a League One game away to Coventry City.<ref name="2014–15"/> He scored his first goal for the club in his second appearance, a 4–1 win over Gillingham at Oakwell.<ref name="2014–15"/> He went on to score seven goals in 23 appearances,<ref name="2014–15"/> finding the net in the victory that marked manager Danny Wilson's 1,000th game in management.<ref>{{cite news |title=Win just perfect for Wilson |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/9615433/win-just-perfect-for-wilson |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Sky Sports |date=20 December 2014}}</ref> On 22 January 2015, Cole returned to League One on loan at Milton Keynes Dons until the end of the 2014–15 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/30938122|title=Manchester City's Devante Cole joins MK Dons on loan|date=22 January 2015|access-date=23 January 2015|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Dons manager Karl Robinson said he had wanted to bring the youngster to Stadium MK for "a long while".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jepson |first1=Anthony |title=Man City's Devante Cole joins MK Dons on loan |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-citys-devante-cole-joins-8502979 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=23 January 2015 |language=en}}</ref> The Dons were promoted in second-place at the end of the season,<ref name="prom"/> with Cole contributing three goals in 14 games.<ref name="2014–15"/>
===Bradford City=== On 28 August 2015, Cole signed for Bradford City on a two-year deal, with the option of a third year, after being released by Manchester City.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/34088888|title=Devante Cole: Bradford City sign Andrew Cole's son from Man City|date=28 August 2015|access-date=28 August 2015|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson praised Cole's pace.<ref name = "T&A1">{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13634634.Bantams_strike_to_snap_up_young_striker_Cole/|title=Bantams strike to snap-up young striker Cole|date=29 August 2015|access-date=29 August 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> Before signing for them, he had been on trial with West Ham United and had been linked with a transfer to both Birmingham City and Preston North End.<ref name = "T&A1"/> Manchester City retained a sell-on clause from the deal, believed to be 30%.<ref name = "T&A1"/> Cole made his debut at Valley Parade a day later, appearing as a substitute and scoring in the fourth minute of injury-time to earn City a 1–0 victory over Port Vale.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/esp-football-super-sub-cole-snatches-bradford-victory-debut-162823058--sow.html|title=Football - Super-sub Cole snatches Bradford victory on debut|date=29 August 2015|access-date=30 August 2015|publisher=Yahoo Sports|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160207010632/https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/esp-football-super-sub-cole-snatches-bradford-victory-debut-162823058--sow.html|archive-date=7 February 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13636141.Bradford_City_debutant_Devante_stars_in_latest_of_late_shows/|title=Bradford City debutant Devante stars in latest of late shows|date=31 August 2015|access-date=31 August 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> Manager Phil Parkinson praised Cole's potential development.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13636286._Project__Cole_fuels_Bradford_City_hopes_after_debut_winner/|title='Project' Cole fuels Bradford City hopes after debut winner|date=31 August 2015|access-date=31 August 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> New striker partner James Hanson also discussed their teamwork,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13717872.Bradford_City_strike_pair_heading_in_right_direction_____sort_of_/|title=Bradford City strike pair heading in right direction – sort of!|date=14 September 2015|access-date=14 September 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> and the improvement in Cole's all-round game was praised by Parkinson in October.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/13891511.Bantams_boss_delighted_that_there_is_more_than_goals_to_Cole_s_game_now/|title=Bantams boss delighted that there is more than goals to Cole's game now|date=23 October 2015|access-date=25 October 2015|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> He scored six goals in 24 games for the Bantams.<ref name="2015–16"/>
===Fleetwood Town=== On 22 January 2016, Cole joined League One rivals Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee (reported to be around £75,000),<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Simon |title=Bantams to spend Cole hard cash on attacking boost |url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/14225710.bantams-to-spend-cole-hard-cash-on-attacking-boost/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Bradford Telegraph and Argus |date=23 January 2016 |language=en}}</ref> with forward Jamie Proctor moving the opposite way on loan, as manager Steven Pressley cited a need for "a number nine we can rely on to score goals".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35383675|title=Fleetwood: Bradford's Devante Cole signs as Jamie Proctor exits|date=22 January 2016|access-date=23 January 2016|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> Cole said he felt the new club suited him better than Bradford had done.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/14238857.Suits_you__Cole_reckons_Fleetwood_are_more_to_his_style_than_Bantams/|title=Suits you: Cole reckons Fleetwood are more to his style than Bantams|date=29 January 2016|access-date=29 January 2016|author=Simon Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}</ref> He did not score in his first 12 games for the Fishermen, though ended the 2015–16 season with a goal in each of the final two matches.<ref name="2015–16"/> He scored eight goals in 46 matches throughout the 2016–17 campaign,<ref name="2016–17"/> having spent some time out with a groin injury.<ref>{{cite news |title=Uwe Rosler: Fleetwood Town will be 'different proposition' with returning players |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39406578 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 March 2017}}</ref> This tally included a brace in an FA Cup win over Shrewsbury Town at Highbury Stadium.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fleetwood Town 3-2 Shrewsbury Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38217513 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=13 December 2016}}</ref> New head coach Uwe Rösler promised to judge him on his overall contribution to the team rather than his goal tally.<ref>{{cite news |title=I won't judge Cole on goals, says Fleetwood boss |url=https://www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk/sport/football/i-wont-judge-cole-on-goals-says-fleetwood-boss-1189329 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Blackpool Gazette |date=18 October 2016 |language=en}}</ref> Fleetwood qualified for the play-offs, losing to his former club Bradford City at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Scrivener |first1=Peter |title=Fleetwood Town 0-0 Bradford City (agg: 0-1) |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39765840 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 May 2017}}</ref> Cole enjoyed a positive start to the 2017–18 season, scoring a brace in a win over AFC Wimbledon.<ref>{{cite news |title=Fleetwood 2-0 AFC Wimbledon: Devante Cole scores twive as Fleetwood stay perfect |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/25706/10996778/fleetwood-2-0-afc-wimbledon-devante-cole-scores-twive-as-fleetwood-stay-perfect |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Sky Sports |date=19 August 2017}}</ref> He was nominated for the EFL September Goal of the Month for his strike at Portsmouth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cole nominated for EFL Goal of the Month |url=https://www.fleetwoodtownfc.com/cole-nominated-for-efl-goal-of-the-month/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Fleetwood Town FC |date=6 October 2017}}</ref>
===Wigan Athletic=== On 31 January 2018, Cole was signed to Wigan Athletic on a two-and-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42888305|title=Devante Cole: Wigan sign Fleetwood Town striker for undisclosed fee|date=31 January 2018|access-date=1 February 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole joins Wigan from Fleetwood on two-and-half-year deal |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11682/11231366/devante-cole-joins-wigan-from-fleetwood-on-two-and-half-year-deal |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Sky Sports |date=31 January 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Manager Paul Cook warned him that he faced a challenge even to make the squad due to the Latics' attacking strength.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cook: Devante won't be '˜given' Wigan Athletic spot |url=https://www.wigantoday.net/sport/football/cook-devante-wont-be-given-wigan-athletic-spot-711163 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Wigan Today |date=3 February 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Wigan won the League One title at the end of the 2017–18 season,<ref>{{cite news |title=Wigan Athletic: Championship club report £7.7m loss for promotion season |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47130248 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=5 February 2019}}</ref> though Cole was limited to six substitute appearances.<ref name="2017–18"/>
On 30 August 2018, he returned to League One on loan at Burton Albion.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45358055|title=Burton Albion sign Jake Hesketh, Jake Flannigan and Devante Cole on loan|date=30 August 2018|access-date=30 August 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> He scored two goals in 16 games, though only six were league starts,<ref name="2018–19"/> as Burton manager Nigel Clough limited his playing time at the Pirelli Stadium due to the "fine form" of Lucas Akins, leading to Wigan recalling Cole back to the DW Stadium on 15 January.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Martin |first1=Stephen |title=Devante Cole Returns To Wigan Athletic |url=https://www.burtonalbionfc.co.uk/news/2019/january/1501-cole/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Burton Albion FC |date=15 January 2019}}</ref>
On 2 July 2019, Cole joined Scottish Premiership club Motherwell on an initial six-month loan deal.<ref name="Devante Cole Loan">{{cite news |last1=Burrows |first1=Alan |title=Devante Cole is signing number seven |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2019/07/02/devante-cole-is-signing-number-seven/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=Motherwell FC |date=2 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole: Motherwell sign Wigan forward on six-month loan |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48841168 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2019}}</ref> He scored four goals in 19 games,<ref name="2019–20"/> and manager Stephen Robinson was keen to extend his loan until the end of the 2019–20 season,<ref>{{cite news |last1=McGarry |first1=Graeme |title=Stephen Robinson launches striker recruitment drive as Motherwell resign themselves to losing Devante Cole |url=https://www.thenational.scot/sport/18116370.stephen-robinson-launches-striker-recruitment-drive-motherwell-resign-losing-devante-cole/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=The National |date=20 December 2019 |language=en}}</ref> though was unsuccessful.<ref>{{cite news |title=Motherwell: Fir Park club 'quite close' to signing new striker - Stephen Robinson |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50928528 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 December 2019}}</ref> Cole was instead linked with moves to both Hull City and Luton Town.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Colman |first1=Jonty |title=Hull City linked with Wigan striker Devante Cole |url=https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/sport/football/hull-city-wigan-devante-cole-3720095 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Hull Live |date=9 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref>
===Doncaster Rovers=== Cole was transferred to League One side Doncaster Rovers for an undisclosed fee on 27 January 2020 on an initial deal until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole: Doncaster Rovers sign Wigan Athletic striker for undisclosed fee |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51267622 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=27 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Devante Cole signs for Doncaster Rovers|url=https://wiganathletic.com/news/2020/january/Devante-Cole-signs-for-Doncaster-Rovers/|access-date=14 July 2020|website=Wigan Athletic FC|date=27 January 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole joins Rovers |url=https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2020/january/devante-cole-joins-rovers/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=Doncaster Rovers FC |date=27 January 2020}}</ref> Cole said he had come to the Keepmoat Stadium because he wanted "to play and score goals".<ref>{{cite news |title=BBC Radio Sheffield - Football Heaven, Cole: 'Just want to play and score goals' |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08260zg |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC |date=3 February 2020}}</ref> He was released by Doncaster at the end of the 2019–20 season,<ref>{{cite news |title=Retained list confirmed |url=https://www.doncasterroversfc.co.uk/news/2020/june/retained-list-confirmed/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=Doncaster Rovers FC |date=30 June 2020}}</ref> having made five starts and four substitute appearances without finding the net.<ref name="2019–20"/>
===Motherwell=== On 2 October 2020, Cole returned to Motherwell on a contract until the end of the 2020–21 season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Scott |title=Devante Cole signs for Motherwell |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2020/10/02/devante-cole-signs-for-motherwell/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=Motherwell FC |date=2 October 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Motherwell re-sign Devante Cole as Jermaine Hylton joins Ross County |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54393657 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=2 October 2020}}</ref> He scored a brace in a 3–1 win over Livingston at Fir Park on 6 March.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Andy |title=Motherwell 3-1 Livingston: Devante Cole double helps hosts secure win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56219999 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=6 March 2021}}</ref> Motherwell supporters voted him as the club's Player of the Month for March.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Scott |title=Devante Cole is March's player of the month |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2021/04/05/devante-cole-is-marchs-player-of-the-month/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Motherwell FC |date=5 April 2021 |language=en}}</ref> He scored 12 goals in 31 matches to become the club's top scorer that season.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gibson |first1=Scott |title=Devante Cole signs for Barnsley |url=https://www.motherwellfc.co.uk/2021/06/08/devante-cole-signs-for-barnsley/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Motherwell FC |date=8 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref> New manager Graham Alexander hoped to persuade the striker to extend his contract beyond the summer.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Graham |first1=Philip |title=Kilmarnock 'cannot depend on other teams' as Motherwell look to keep star man |url=https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/international/kilmarnock-cannot-depend-on-other-teams-as-motherwell-look-to-keep-star-man-3221901 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=The Scotsman |date=1 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
===Barnsley=== On 8 June 2021, Cole signed a three-year contract with Barnsley.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole: Barnsley sign Motherwell striker on three-year deal |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57399479 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=8 June 2021}}</ref> He scored his first goal in his second spell for the club on 24 October in a 3–2 loss to Sheffield United.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barnsley 2-3 Blades - report |url=https://www.sufc.co.uk/news/2021/october/24/barnsley-2-3-blades-report/ |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=Sheffield United FC |date=24 October 2021}}</ref> This was his only goal in 24 Championship games as the club were relegated at the end of the 2021–22 campaign.<ref name="2021–22"/><ref>{{cite news |title=Huddersfield Town 2-1 Barnsley: Defeat consigns Tykes to relegation to League One |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61115597 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=22 April 2022}}</ref> Cole was initially sidelined by manager Markus Schopp and suggested that the partial comeback against Sheffield United was due to the players rather than Schopp.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Kane |first1=Doug |title=COMMENT: Schopp had to go after deeply disappointing 125 days in charge |url=https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/21712/comment-schopp-had-to-go-after-deeply-disappointing-125-days-in-charge |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley Chronicle |date=1 November 2011 |language=en}}</ref> He was also dropped by new manager Poya Asbaghi.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Kane |first1=Doug |title=Poya breaks record and Reds suffer 6th straight loss |url=https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/22295/poya-breaks-record-and-reds-suffer-6th-straight-loss |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley Chronicle |date=8 February 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
On 17 December 2022, Cole scored a brace in a 2–0 home win over former club Burton Albion, earning himself the third-highest rating in that weekend's League One fixtures.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five of WhoScored's top performers in Sky Bet League One |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/september/18/five-of-whoscored-s-top-performers-in-sky-bet-league-one/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=EFL |date=18 September 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He ended the 2022–23 campaign with 16 goals in 53 appearances,<ref name="2022–23"/> becoming the Tykes top-scorer and in the overall top ten in the division's top-scorer charts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Kane |first1=Doug |title=The Reds players in 22/23 season |url=https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/25418/the-reds-players-in-2223-season |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley Chronicle |date=4 June 2023 |language=en}}</ref> He was also praised for his "work rate for the team and his pressing" by coach Martin Devaney.<ref>{{cite news |title=Barnsley coach Martin Devaney praises Devante Cole after beating Crewe in FA Cup |url=https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/sport/974034/barnsley-coach-martin-devaney-praises-devante-cole-after-beating-crewe-in-fa-cup.html |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=offalyexpress.ie |date=26 November 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Cole in turn praised the new coaching staff, saying he had a "connection straight away" with head coach Michael Duff, in contrast to the club's previous managers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Kane |first1=Doug |title=Devante says dad's former team-mate Duff totally different to previous bosses |url=https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/23861/devante-says-dads-former-team-mate-duff-totally-different-to-previous-bosses |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley Chronicle |date=7 October 2022 |language=en}}</ref> He was named as March's League One PFA Fans' Player of the Month.<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=BristolStMotors |number=1648287830970363904 |title=🏆 WINNER! 🏆Devante Cole of @BarnsleyFC WINS March’s League One @PFA Vertu Motors Fans' Player of the Month Award! ⚽ }}</ref> The season concluded with a defeat at Wembley Stadium to Sheffield Wednesday in the play-off final, with Cole substituted on 72 minutes when the game was still goalless.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Woodcock |first1=Ian |title=Barnsley 0-1 Sheffield Wednesday: Josh Windass wins League One play-off final in last minute of extra time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65667707 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=28 May 2023}}</ref>
On 5 August 2023, Cole scored a hat-trick in a 7–0 rout of Port Vale in what was Neill Collins's first match in charge.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 August 2023 |title=Barnsley 7-0 Port Vale: Devante Cole scores hat-trick as Tykes run riot |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66345517 |access-date=21 March 2024 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> The following month, he was nominated for the League One Player of the Month award after scoring four goals in five games.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sky Bet League One: Manager and Player of the Month nominees |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/october/11/sky-bet-league-one--manager-and-player-of-the-month-nominees/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=EFL |date=11 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> On 24 October, he scored his tenth league goal of the campaign in a 3–0 victory over Shrewsbury Town, also providing an assist for Callum Styles, to secure himself the third-highest rating in that weekend's League One fixtures.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sky Bet League One: Who Scored's top five performers this week |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/october/26/sky-bet-league-one--who-scored-s-top-five-performers-this-week-/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=EFL |date=26 October 2023 |language=en}}</ref> Barnsley fans voted him as the club's Player of the Month for both September and October.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole Is Your Player Of The Month For September! |url=https://www.barnsleyfc.co.uk/news/20232/october/potm-september-cole/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley FC |date=9 October 2023}}</ref> Barnsley again qualified for the play-offs in 2024, though lost to Bolton Wanderers at the semi-final stage.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cartwright |first1=Phil |title=Bolton lose to Barnsley but reach League One play-off final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c9wzlkx7dl8t |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=BBC Sport}}</ref> Cole scored 18 goals from 49 appearances in the 2023–24 season,<ref name="2023–24"/> making him the club's top-scorer,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hope |first1=Ian |title=Major issue for Barnsley and Darrell Clarke after Devante Cole blow |url=https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/barnsley-and-darrell-clarke-have-striker-issue-after-devante-cole-blow/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=FootballLeagueWorld |date=2 August 2024 |language=en}}</ref> though was dropped towards the end of the campaign as his goals dried up.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coates |first1=Tom |title=Championship club 'poised' to sign ex-Barnsley, Doncaster Rovers and Bradford City man |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion-poised-to-sign-former-barnsley-doncaster-rovers-and-bradford-city-man-4724416 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Yorkshire Post |date=31 July 2024 |language=en}}</ref> The club announced in May that he would be released upon the expiry of his contract.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 May 2024 |title=Devante Cole: Barnsley striker one of five players released |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cv20gvkerzko |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Cole released an emotional statement to thank the club and state his regret that a League One promotion had not been achieved, saying that Barnsley would "always be a special place for me".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coates |first1=Tom |title='A special place' - Duo issue emotional statements as Barnsley exits confirmed |url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/devante-cole-and-jordan-williams-issue-emotional-statements-as-barnsley-exits-confirmed-4633741 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Yorkshire Post |date=18 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
===West Bromwich Albion=== On 31 July 2024, Cole signed a two-year contract with Championship club West Bromwich Albion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 July 2024 |title=Baggies sign striker Cole following Barnsley exit |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cyj43e3xd1mo |access-date=31 July 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref> Despite working under five different managers and interim managers — Carlos Corberán, Chris Brunt, Tony Mowbray, James Morrison, and Ryan Mason — he never established himself in the first XI,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lightwood |first1=Lawson |title=Former West Bromwich Albion Player Finds His Next Club - The Lower Tiers |url=https://lowertiers.co.uk/west-bromwich-albion-player-devante-cole/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Lower Tiers |date=1 September 2025}}</ref> making 15 appearances from the bench and one cup start in the 2024–25 campaign.<ref name="2024–25"/> Corberán admitted that "''we didn't sign him with the expectation to be the first XI number nine''",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Joseph |title=Devante Cole situation clarified amid ongoing West Brom absence |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/devante-cole-situation-clarified-amid-30141196 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Birmingham Live |date=15 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref> though regretted that Cole had struggled for appearances due to the form of Josh Maja.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=Joseph |title=Corberan on Cole 'regret' and the challenge for Albion fringe players |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/carlos-corberan-devante-cole-regret-30206746 |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Birmingham Live |date=22 October 2024 |language=en}}</ref> Mowbray opted to play without a recognised striker rather than utilise Cole.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Drury |first1=Jonny |title=West Brom boss drops double striker indication amid options up top |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2025/02/21/west-brom-boss-drops-double-striker-indication-amid-options-up-top/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Express and Star |date=21 February 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Cole left the club after all parties came to an agreement on the remainder of his contract.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Lewis |title=West Brom striker given free transfer and joins up with Baggies hero in League One |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2025/09/01/west-brom-striker-given-free-transfer-and-joins-up-with-baggies-hero-in-league-one/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Express and Star |date=1 September 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
===Port Vale=== Cole signed for League One club Port Vale on 1 September 2025,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c2enedgn94mo|title=Port Vale transfer news: Devante Cole and George Hall arrive|date=1 September 2025|access-date=7 September 2025|website=BBC Sport}}</ref> with manager Darren Moore explaining that he was "a player that had plenty of interest from various clubs".<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole is a Valiant! |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/devante-cole-valiant |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Port Vale FC |date=1 September 2025 |language=en}}</ref> He made his debut five days later and was named as the team's player of the match after securing an assist and scoring a goal in a 3–2 defeat to Leyton Orient at Vale Park, his first competitive match in seven months.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Vale floored by sucker punch |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/vale-floored-by-sucker-punch |access-date=7 September 2025 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=7 September 2025}}</ref> This was rated as the fifth-best performance in League One that weekend.<ref>{{cite news |title=Five of WhoScored's top performers in Sky Bet League One |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/september/08/five-of-whoscored-s-top-performers-in-sky-bet-league-one/ |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=EFL |date=8 September 2025 |language=en}}</ref> He scored three goals in his first five games and was voted as the club's Player of the Month for September.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Baggaley |first1=Mike |title=Ready for battle of the form teams |url=https://portvalethevaliant.substack.com/p/ready-for-battle-of-the-form-teams |access-date=3 October 2025 |work=Valiant's Substack |date=2 October 2025}}</ref> He was also nominated for both the PFA League One Fans' Player of the Month and EFL League One Player of the Month award.<ref>{{cite news |title=Wickens nominated for September PFA League One Fans' Player of the Month {{!}} Lincoln City Football Club |url=https://www.weareimps.com/news/wickens-nominated-september-pfa-league-one-fans-player-month |access-date=6 October 2025 |work=Lincoln City FC |date=6 October 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Sky Bet League One Manager and Player of the Month nominees |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2025/october/08/sky-bet-league-one-manager-and-player-of-the-month-nominees/ |access-date=8 October 2025 |work=EFL}}</ref> He scored eight goals in 23 appearances across all competitions during his four-month stay.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole leaves Vale Park |url=https://www.port-vale.co.uk/news/devante-cole-leaves-vale-park |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Port Vale FC |date=31 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
===Luton Town=== On 31 January 2026, Cole joined League One club Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{cite news |title=Devante Cole: Luton Town sign experienced Port Vale striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/crle71x8w8ro |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=BBC Sport |date=31 January 2026}}</ref> Manager Jack Wilshere described him as "an exciting signing".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Simmonds |first1=Mike |title=Wilshere thrilled to add Port Vale top scorer to boost Luton's forward ranks |url=https://www.lutontoday.co.uk/sport/football/luton-town/wilshere-thrilled-to-add-port-vale-top-scorer-to-boost-lutons-forward-ranks-5497685 |access-date=31 January 2026 |work=Luton Today |date=31 January 2026 |language=en}}</ref> He appeared in the 2026 EFL Trophy final victory over Stockport County as a stoppage-time substitute.<ref name=final26>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c79j7v7lpgdt#Line-ups |title=Luton Town 3–1 Stockport County: Line-ups |website=BBC Sport |date=12 April 2026 |access-date=12 April 2026}}</ref>
==International career== Cole has represented England at under-16, under-17, under-18, and under-19 levels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefa.com/england/all-teams/players/c/devante-cole|title=Profile|access-date=19 August 2014|publisher=The Football Association|archive-date=27 December 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131227082021/http://www.thefa.com/england/all-teams/players/c/devante-cole|url-status=dead}}</ref> He made his debut for the England under-19 team on 5 March 2014 in a friendly match against Turkey, starting the game and scoring the opening goal.<ref>{{cite news |title=England U19s shine in Chester as Young Lions beat Turkey |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/mar/05/england-v-turkey-match-report |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=The FA |date=5 March 2014 |language=en}}</ref> On 29 May 2014, he made a further appearance from the start in a European Championship elite qualification match against Ukraine, which England lost to a deflected 94th-minute strike that eliminated them from the final tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/match/2013458--ukraine-vs-england/|title=Ukraine 1 – 0 England|access-date=19 August 2014|publisher=UEFA}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Last minute own goal condemns England to Euro heartbreak |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2014/may/29/england-v-ukraine-u19-elite-round-match-report |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=The FA |date=29 May 2014 |language=en}}</ref>
In November 2023, Cole was called up to the Jamaica national team for a set of 2023–24 CONCACAF Nations League matches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://iriefm.net/andy-cole-son-devante-cole-called-up-for-reggae-boys-vs-canada-assignment/|title=Andy Cole son Devante Cole called up for Reggae Boys vs Canada assignment|first=Dwight|last=Fraser|date=13 November 2023|website=IRIE FM|access-date=19 August 2024}}</ref> He was named in a provisional 60-man squad in February 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Kane |first1=Doug |title=Cole and Russell in provisional Jamaica squad |url=https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/27520/cole-and-russell-in-provisional-jamaica-squad |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Barnsley Chronicle |date=29 February 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
==Style of play== Cole is a quick striker with natural finishing ability, who can also play out wide.<ref>{{cite news |title=Motherwell sign Devante Cole on loan from Wigan |url=https://www.skysports.com/transfer/news/12691/11755147/motherwell-sign-devante-cole-on-loan-from160wigan |access-date=8 September 2025 |work=Sky Sports |date=2 July 2019}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{Updated|match played 25 April 2026}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FA Cup, Scottish Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes EFL Cup, Scottish League Cup}} !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |Manchester City |2014–15<ref name="2014–15">{{soccerbase season|77348|2014|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Premier League |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |Barnsley (loan) |2014–15<ref name="2014–15"/> |League One |19||5||2||1||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=EFL|Appearance(s) in the Football League Trophy / EFL Trophy}}||1||23||7 |- |Milton Keynes Dons (loan) |2014–15<ref name="2014–15"/> |League One |14||3||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||3 |- |Bradford City |2015–16<ref name="2015–16">{{soccerbase season|77348|2015|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |League One |19||5||4||1||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|name=EFL}}||0||24||6 |- |rowspan="4"|Fleetwood Town |2015–16<ref name="2015–16"/> |League One |14||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||0||0||14||2 |- |2016–17<ref name="2016–17">{{soccerbase season|77348|2016|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |League One |35||5||6||2||1||0||4{{efn|2 appearances and 1 goal in the EFL Trophy, and 2 appearances in the play-offs}}||1||46||8 |- |2017–18<ref name="2017–18">{{soccerbase season|77348|2017|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |League One |28||10||5||2||1||0||0||0||34||12 |- !colspan="2"|Total !77!!17!!11!!4!!2!!0!!4!!1!!94!!22 |- |rowspan="4"|Wigan Athletic |2017–18<ref name="2017–18"/> |League One |6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0 |- |2018–19<ref name="2018–19">{{soccerbase season|77348|2018|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- |2019–20<ref name="2019–20">{{soccerbase season|77348|2019|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Championship |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !6!!0!!0!!0!!1!!0!!0!!0!!7!!0 |- |Burton Albion (loan) |2018–19<ref name="2018–19"/> |League One |13||2||1||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=EFL}}||0||16||2 |- |Motherwell (loan) |2019–20<ref name="2019–20"/> |Scottish Premiership |19||4||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||21||4 |- |Doncaster Rovers |2019–20<ref name="2019–20"/> |League One |9||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||9||0 |- |Motherwell |2020–21<ref name="2020–21">{{soccerbase season|77348|2020|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Scottish Premiership |27||11||3||1||1||0||0||0||31||12 |- |rowspan="4"|Barnsley |2021–22<ref name="2021–22">{{soccerbase season|77348|2021|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Championship |24||1||2||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||27||2 |- |2022–23<ref name="2022–23">{{soccerbase season|77348|2022|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |League One |45||15||3||1||2||0||3{{efn|name=PO|Appearance(s) in the play-offs}}||0||53||16 |- |2023–24<ref name="2023–24">{{soccerbase season|77348|2023|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |League One |46||18||1||0||0||0||2{{efn|name=PO}}||0||49||18 |- !colspan="2"|Total !115!!34!!6!!2!!3!!0!!5!!0!!129!!36 |- |West Bromwich Albion |2024–25<ref name="2024–25">{{soccerbase season|77348|2024|access-date=1 July 2025}}</ref> |Championship |14||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||16||0 |- |Port Vale |2025–26<ref name="2025–26">{{soccerbase season|77348|2025|access-date=5 September 2025}}</ref> |League One |19||6||3||2||1||0||0||0||23||8 |- |Luton Town |2025–26<ref name="2025–26"/> |League One |12||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0||14||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !362!!87!!31!!11!!11!!0!!16!!2!!420!!100 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Milton Keynes Dons''' *Football League One second-place promotion: 2014–15<ref name="prom">{{cite news |title=Milton Keynes Dons 5-1 Yeovil Town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/32471126 |access-date=30 July 2025 |work=BBC Sport |date=1 May 2015}}</ref>
'''Luton Town''' *EFL Trophy: 2025–26<ref name=final26/>
==References== {{reflist}}
{{Luton Town F.C. squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, Devante}} Category:Living people Category:1995 births Category:People from Alderley Edge Category:Footballers from Cheshire Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Manchester City F.C. players Category:Barnsley F.C. players Category:Milton Keynes Dons F.C. players Category:Bradford City A.F.C. players Category:Fleetwood Town F.C. players Category:Wigan Athletic F.C. players Category:Burton Albion F.C. players Category:Motherwell F.C. players Category:Doncaster Rovers F.C. players Category:West Bromwich Albion F.C. players Category:Port Vale F.C. players Category:Luton Town F.C. players Category:English Football League players Category:Scottish Professional Football League players Category:England men's youth international footballers Category:Black British sportsmen Category:English people of Jamaican descent Category:Sportspeople of Jamaican descent Category:21st-century English sportsmen Category:21st-century Black British people