33 Legends The football almanac

Juan Alberto Schiaffino vs Obdulio Varela

Both Uruguay. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

JA

Juan Alberto Schiaffino

Uruguay · 1946–1958 · CM

Rank in Uruguay
#1 of 33
Caps · Uruguay
21 · 8 goals
Clubs
Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma
Honours
FIFA World Cup 1950

The Maracanã fell quiet in the 66th minute on 16 July 1950, when he met Ghiggia's cross and put Uruguay level against a Brazil side already being called champions. Career record: 21 caps and 8 goals for Uruguay; club career at Club Atlético Peñarol, AC Milan, AS Roma; honours include FIFA World Cup 1950.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Honours · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q332064
vs
Obdulio Varela

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.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Honours · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q471743
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The careers, side by side

Juan Alberto Schiaffino is editorial rank 1 and Obdulio Varela rank 8 in Uruguay's collection. Read the careers and make your own choice.

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