Uruguay was the world's first football dynasty, dominating international competition in the first half of the 20th century before Brazil, Argentina, and European national squads came to power. After claiming back-to-back 1924 and 1928 Olympic gold medals, La Celeste captured the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup. Led during their golden era by José Leandro Andrade, aka "The Black Marvel”, it was Juan Alberto “Pepe” Schiaffino, however, who eclipsed Andrade's national stardom and took it global. The attacking midfielder and elegant playmaker played professionally in Uruguay for Peñarol – just like Andrade – before moving to AC Milan where he became a household name throughout Europe. In 171 appearances with the Rossoneri (Red & Blacks), he scored 60 goals and was part of three Serie A championship teams (1955, ’57 and ’59).

Nicknamed “El Pequeño Mago” (The Little Wizard), Schiaffino masterfully orchestrated Uruguay’s unlikely 1950 FIFA World Cup run in Brazil, culminating with a 2-1 upset victory in the final over the host nation at Maracanã Stadium in front of a record football crowd of 173,850. Down 1-0 in the second half, Schiaffino equalized before Alcides Ghiggia knocked in the game-winner with 11 minutes left. The shocking result was memorialized as “The Maracanã Smash.” Schiaffino led Uruguay to a fourth-place finish at the 1954 World Cup and later represented the Italian National Team (1954-58). He was ranked by the IFFHS as the best Uruguayan footballer of all time, and the 17th greatest player of the 20th century.

This exceptional AC Milan match jersey was worn by Juan Schiaffino during his 1954-60 tenure with the famed Italian club. Before he passed away in 2002, the Uruguayan great added his rare autograph as well. Essentially a long-sleeved sweater, it comes in a soft creamy-pink tone with AC Milan’s red and black team colors horizontally striped around the torso. The number “10” that Schiaffino wore most of this football career for club and country is sewn on the back in black. The crew collar and sleeve ends are each ribbed and trimmed in red and black. No manufacturer tagging is present, but the club’s kit history suggests it was an in-house maker. The wool-like fabric has softened naturally from vintage wear and age, shows pilling and fraying throughout the body and sleeves. Schiaffino's personal inscription – “Afectuosamente [Affectionately], Juan A. Schiaffino” – is boldly signed in black pen below the back numbers, giving this charming football artifact superb display quality. Includes letters of authenticity from MEARS and PSA/DNA.

The Football Scout Collection

This jersey comes from one of the most impressive vintage football jersey collections known to exist. Once a star amateur player, the collector worked as a scout for multiple clubs and national teams, prospecting young football talent across the globe. Through his experience and unique connections, he procured almost every item directly from players or kitmen.