Uruguay’s great captain Jose Nasazzi was awarded this gold medal after leading los uruguayos to a shocking gold medal victory at the 1924 Paris Summer Olympics. Uruguay became the first South American team to play in Olympic soccer competition with their entry in 1924, bringing a novel style of possession-based soccer to the European continent. The innovative brand of soccer played by La Celeste disrupted the physical, dump-and-chase style of play preferred by the European teams, with Uruguay notching numerous authoritative victories, including a 7-0 decision against Yugoslavia and a 5-1 dismemberment of host nation France in the quarterfinals. Nasazzi played in the back two of Ernesto Figoli’s 2-3-5 formation alongside Pedro Arispe in the final match of the tournament, a 3-0 drubbing of Switzerland at Stade Olympique.

This offered medal is circular, with a diameter of 1.25 inches. Etched on the front is a high relief image of two deportistas contesting the ball. Four other players and a goal are visible in the background of this idyllic scene. Etched above the soccer image is “Jeux Olympiques”. Etched on the back of the medal is a high relief depiction of a laurel wreath, as well as “Jose Nasazzi Capitan” and “Paris 1924”. This medal is in good condition. This item comes with a LOA confirming it is part of the Rony Almeida Soccer Collection.

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