José Leandro Andrade (November 22, 1901 – October 5, 1957) was an Uruguayan midfielder. Intelligent and honest, Andrade was not used to celebrate his goals. Nicknamed the black marvel, "meravilla negra", is considered the first great colored player, and the very first real international football star.

The world knew him in the 1924 Olympics in Paris.At that time in Europe, no black footballer had already be seen. Andrade became very soon what the world of professional football would think of Pelé later in the century. During the 1920s/1930s with his exceptional class and his skilful shots he was considered absolutely the best. A very skilful player awarded by the Olympic Committee with the Olympic Cup for his fair-play.

Andrade started his career at CA Peñarol where he had to quit maybe for racism. Later on he played for Miramar Misiones, Reformes and Bella Vista. In 1924 he joined Nacional de Montevideo (105 appearances and 4 goals) playing there until 1930 when he returned to CA Peñarol, gaining the Uruguayan national title in 1932. In 1936 he played in Argentina at Atalanta, then the following year he moved to Wanderers FC in Montevideo where he ended his career. Probably forgotten and with no glory, the "black marvel" died in poverty in 1957.

Did you know?

- Andrade played 33 times for Uruguay scoring 1 goal

-105 matches played and 4 goals from 1924 and 1929 represented his time with Nacional (Uruguay): the club he played with most.

- With Uruguay he won all the most important football competitions: FIFA World Cup (1930), Olympic Games (1924 and 1928), Copa América (1923, 1924, 1926).

(S. Siviero)