Obdulio Varela Uruguayan footballer Date of Birth: 17.09.1917 Country: Uruguay

1. Obdulio Varela: The "Black Chief" of Uruguayan Football
2. Early Career
3. 1950 World Cup
4. Later Career and Honors
5. Legacy

Obdulio Varela: The "Black Chief" of Uruguayan Football

Obdulio Jacinto Varela was a Uruguayan footballer who captained the Uruguayan national team to victory in the 1950 FIFA World Cup. He was one of only four players (along with Schubert Gambetta, Victor Rodriguez Andrade, and Anibal Paz) to have won both the World Cup and the South American Championship.

Early Career

Varela began his professional career with Deportivo Juventud before moving to Montevideo Wanderers in March 1938. In 1943, he joined Uruguayan giants Penarol, where he became a key player and earned the nickname "The Black Chief" due to his strong leadership qualities.

1950 World Cup

The defining moment of Varela's career came in the final match of the 1950 World Cup against Brazil. After Brazil took an early lead, Varela picked up the ball and protested the goal, claiming Friaca was offside. Eventually, he conceded the goal, placed the ball on the center spot, and shouted, "Now, we must win!"

Varela's goal was not to overturn the goal but rather to unsettle the Brazilians. It worked as Uruguay went on to score two goals (by Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia) and won the match, becoming world champions for the second time.

Later Career and Honors

Varela played his last match for Penarol against America-RJ on June 19, 1955, in Rio de Janeiro. In 1994, he was awarded the FIFA Order of Merit for his services to football. He passed away on August 2, 1996.

Legacy

In 2002, a multi-purpose stadium in Montevideo was named after Obdulio Varela. It is primarily used for the home matches of the football club Villa Espanola. Varela remains a towering figure in Uruguayan football, remembered for his leadership, determination, and unwavering belief that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance.