Víctor Rodríguez Andrade

Born in the Barrio Sur of Montevideo, Víctor Rodríguez came to the world into a family that proudly revered the name of his uncle, José Leandro Andrade. His admiration for his uncle and the naming customs made him use both last names; he drew comparisons with "The Black Marvel", not only because he was his relative, but also because they both played on the wing (although Andrade played in the right flank). Thus, the name Rodríguez Andrade would universally remain used when referring to the left midfielder, and sometimes he is even referred to simply as Andrade. Growing up, Rodríguez played on the streets of Barrio Sur and Barrio Palermo. He began his footballing career at Central Fútbol Club, from the latter neighbourhood, and during his time at that club, he earned his first call up to the national team, in 1947. Remembered as one of the emblematic figures of the club in its first 100 years, he remained at Central until 1952, the year he joined Peñarol, with whom he won the Uruguayan Championship in 1953 and 1954.

Rodríguez Andrade wore the Uruguayan jersey from December 1947 to May 1957. He participated at the World Cup finals of 1950 and 1954, as well as the South American Championships of 1947 (his first official international tournament), 1953, and 1956. He earned a total of 42 caps for La Celeste with no goals.

1950 World Cup and the Maracanazo

At the 1950 World Cup in Brazil, Rodríguez Andrade, who at 23 years old was one of the younger members of the Uruguayan squad, played in all four of his team's matches. In the final round match against the hosts, which would decide the winner of the tournament, his defensive duties included the marking of Zizinho, a task he was successful at until the beginning of the second half, when the Brazilian assisted Friaça, who scored the 1–0. However, as he later narrated himself, Rodríguez Andrade saw the lineman lift his flag during the play, indicating offside against Brazil. In the second the Uruguayan lost when he looked at the judge, Friaça left him behind, to face the goalkeeper one-on-one. When he was confronted by Obdulio Varela, Rodríguez told him: "Fue offside, Jacinto", and then, in a key moment of the game, the captain, with the ball under his arm, protested to the referee for several moments; the goal stood, but Varela had cooled down the situation for Uruguay, and silenced the crowd. Uruguay regrouped, and then Juan Schiaffino scored the equalizer and Alcides Ghiggia the winner, to complete the famous upset known as the…

Peñarol

Uruguayan first division: 1953, 1954 Uruguay

FIFA World Cup: 1950; semi-finalist: 1954 South American Championship: 1956

Individual

FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 1950, 1954 IFFHS Uruguayan Men's Dream Team (Team B)