José Nasazzi was a prominent Uruguayan footballer known for his exceptional skills as a centre-back and full-back.
He captained Uruguay to victory in the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930, making history as the first captain to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy.
Nasazzi began his professional career at C.A. Bella Vista, where he played from 1922 to 1932 before joining Club Nacional de Football.
Biography
Early Life
José Nasazzi Yarza was born in Bella Vista, Montevideo, in 1901 to an Italian immigrant father, Giuseppe, from Esino Lario, and María Jacinta Yarza, who hailed from the Basque Country of Spain. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, Nasazzi developed a passion for football that would lead him to become one of Uruguay's most celebrated athletes.
Career
Nasazzi's professional career began with C.A. Bella Vista, where he played from 1922 to 1932 before moving to Club Nacional de Football, where he would spend the majority of his career until 1937. He also represented the Uruguay men's national football team from 1923 to 1937, earning a reputation as a formidable centre-back and full-back. His leadership qualities shone through when he captained Uruguay to victory in the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, where he became the first captain to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy after a thrilling 4-2 win against Argentina. In addition to his World Cup triumph, Nasazzi won gold medals at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games and multiple South American Championships.
Legacy
Regarded as one of Uruguay's greatest football players, Nasazzi earned the nickname "El Gran Mariscal" or "The Great Marshal" for his commanding presence on the field. His accolades include being named the best player at the 1930 FIFA World Cup and twice at the South American Championship. After retiring in 1936 with 41 international caps, he left an indelible mark on the sport, being recognized in various all-time great lists, including the IFFHS South American Footballer of the Century and World Soccer's 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time. José Nasazzi passed away in 1968, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations of footballers.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
He was born in Bella Vista, Montevideo to Giuseppe, an Italian immigrant from Esino Lario (near Lecco), and María Jacinta Yarza from the Basque Country of Spain. Nasazzi is regarded by many as Uruguay's greatest ever football player. He was known as El Gran Mariscal ("The Great Marshal"), and had already won the gold medal at the 1924 and 1928 Olympic Games, as well as the South American Championship in 1923, 1924, and 1926, by the time of the first World Cup. On individual level, he was selected as best player at FIFA World Cup 1930 and twice (1923 and 1935) at South American Championship (the predecessor of Copa America). During the 1930 FIFA World Cup tournament, Uruguay's only serious rivals were their neighbors Argentina. After defeating Peru and Romania in the first round, Uruguay defeated Yugoslavia 6–1 in the semi-finals to set up a final against Argentina. Although his team were 2–1 behind at half-time, Nasazzi rallied his teammates in the second half, leading them to a 4–2 victory and making himself the first captain to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy. Although Uruguay refused to defend their title in 1934, Nasazzi won the South American Championship again (in 1935), before retiring in 1936 with 41 international appearances. Throughout his career at Nacional, he played 110 matches and scored 10 goals, including friendlies.
- Club
- Club Nacional de Football (1933–1937)
- Club
- C.A. Bella Vista (1922–1932)
- Club
- Uruguay men's national football team (1923–1937)
- Club
- Club Nacional de Football (1925–1925)
- National team
- Uruguay
Legacy
Club
Lito Uruguayan Intermedia: 1917, 1920 Roland Moor Uruguayan 3era Extra: 1921 Nacional Primera División: 1933 – 1937; 1925: European Tour with Nacional; 1927: US Tour with Nacional;.
International
Uruguay FIFA World Cup: 1930 Football at the Summer Olympics: 1924, 1928 South American Championship: 1923, 1924, 1926, 1935
Individual
Best player at the South American Championship: 1923, 1935 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1930 France Football's World Cup Top-100 1930–1990, 56th: 1994 IFFHS South American Footballer of the Century, 26th: 1999 World Soccer's 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time, 75th: 1999 RSSSF Uruguay All-Time Team: 1999 Copa América Historical Dream Team: 2011 IFFHS Uruguayan Men's Dream Team
Clubs
- C.A. Bella Vista1922–1932
- Uruguay men's national football team1923–1937
- Club Nacional de Football1925–1925
- Club Nacional de Football1933–1937
Played together with
- Adalto Batista da SilvaClub Nacional de Football · 1999–2001
Adhemar CanavesiC.A. Bella Vista · 1925–1928
Adrián Seba ReyClub Nacional de Football · 2012–2013
Agustín RogelClub Nacional de Football
Alberto SuppiciClub Nacional de Football · 1915–1923
Alberto ZozayaC.A. Bella Vista · 1940–1940
Alcides SilveiraClub Nacional de Football · 1969–1969
Alejandro LagoC.A. Bella Vista · 2006–2006- Alejandro LemboC.A. Bella Vista · 1997–1999
- Alejandro LemboClub Nacional de Football · 2000–2003
- Alejandro LemboClub Nacional de Football · 2009–2011
- Alejandro LemboClub Nacional de Football · 2012–2013
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
José Nasazzi Yarza was a Uruguayan footballer who played as a right-back or centre-back. He captained his country when they won the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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