Black Players in Soccer

Gil Heron

Heron was the only black professional player in America from 1945-1954. He made his debut one year before Jackie Robinson. In the inaugural season of the North American Soccer Football League (NASFL), he scored 44 goals in 14 games and scored the goal that won the Detroit Wolverines the title. He later went to play for Celtic Football Club in Scotland but didn't find much success.

Obdulio Varela

Varela, nicknamed "El Negro Jefe" (The Black Chief), was the captain of the Uruguayan National Team during the 1950 World Cup. He was of African, Spanish and Greek descent. He is considered on of the greatest captains in history and is still one of the greatest sporting heroes in Uruguay. This is due to his leadership during the World Cup, especially during the final match, The Maracanazo. He was one of several black players on this roster.

Lloyd Lindbergh "Lindy" Delapenha

Delapenha was the first Jamaican professional player in England and later became a sports journalist. He played from 1948-1960. He was fighting for the British Armed Forces in the Middle East following WWII. He was playing soccer and was given a trial at Arsenal after being seen by a scout. He initially signed with Portsmouth and later became Middlesbrough's leading scorer. During his career he had 93 goals in 270 league and FA Cup appearances. He spoke of racism from fans and opposing players but feels that it was less than that faced by players in the 70's and 80's.

More on the Watson Brothers

The Watson Brothers were the first black professional soccer players in America making their debut in 1894. Oliver "Allie" Watson played at the wing scoring 15 goals in 27 appearances and Fred Watson was a fullback with few of his 37 appearances at halfback. While not much is known of their treatment within the leagues, there is more positive than negative press. Gentlemen of color being used as a sign of respect and were both appreciated by fans. There is evidence of a racist caricature but that is the only known source of racism that they faced.

The Gentlemen of Color

Brazil was the largest importer of slaves, but in the 1930's, a batch of gifted soccer players became national heroes and led the general population to be accepting of diversity in Brazil.

Moacir Barbosa

Barbosa was the goalkeeper for the Brazilian National Team during the 1950 World Cup. Because Brazil was hosting, Brazilians, and FIFA, strongly believed that they would win. However, in the final, Uruguay beat Brazil 2-1. Barbosa was heavily blamed for this loss, having let in two goals, and suffered racism and prejudice in addition to the criticism he received from this match. He was essentially blacklisted from Brazilian soccer due to The Maracanazo and was even denied the chance to meet with the 1994 World Cup Team because he was believed to be bad luck.