José Leandro Andrade vs Obdulio Varela
Both Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
José Leandro Andrade
Uruguay · 1923–1930 · RB
- Rank in Uruguay
- #5 of 33
- Caps · Uruguay
- 34 · 1 goals
- Clubs
- C.A. Bella Vista, Club Nacional de Football, Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1930
Paris gave him his name in 1924, when he became the first black footballer to appear in the Olympic tournament and left the city calling him la Maravilla Negra. Career record: 34 caps and 1 goals for Uruguay; club career at C.A. Bella Vista, Club Nacional de Football, Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club; honours include FIFA World Cup 1930.
Obdulio Varela
Uruguay · 1939–1954 · CB
- Rank in Uruguay
- #8 of 33
- Caps · Uruguay
- 45 · 9 goals
- Clubs
- Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol
- Honours
- FIFA World Cup 1950
After Friaça put Brazil ahead at the Maracanã on 16 July 1950, Varela tucked the ball under his arm and walked to referee George Reader to argue an offside he later admitted never existed, buying the minutes it took the stadium to fall silent. Uruguay won that final 2-1, and El Negro Jefe had already been named best player of the 1942 South American Championship, adding six Uruguayan titles with Peñarol. Career record: 45 caps and 9 goals for Uruguay; club career at Montevideo Wanderers Fútbol Club, Club Atlético Peñarol; honours include FIFA World Cup 1950.
The careers, side by side
José Leandro Andrade is editorial rank 5 and Obdulio Varela rank 8 in Uruguay's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.
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