Archie McLean (footballer)

Archie McLean (1894–1971) was a mechanic and footballer from Paisley, Scotland who emigrated in 1912 to São Paulo, Brazil.

Archie McLean
Personal information
Date of birth 1894
Place of birth Paisley, Scotland
Date of death 1971 (aged 76–77)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
Arthurlie
–1908 Glasgow Perthshire
1908–1910 Ayr
1910–1911 Galston
1911–1912 Johnstone
1912 Ypiranga
1913 Americano
1914 Scottish Wanderers
1915–1920 São Bento
International career
São Paulo state
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

In São Paulo, McLean's football career flourished and he became known, on the pitch, as Veadinho (the little deer). Charles William Miller is commonly regarded as having introduced the sport to the country.

Early career

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McLean was a machine mechanic working for J & P Coats, a textile company.

McLean had played for the Ayr F.C. team that amalgamated with Ayr Parkhouse F.C. to form Ayr United, as well as for Galston and Johnstone. With Johnstone he had won the Consolation Cup in 1912.

Scottish Wanderers

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McLean was transferred to São Paulo in 1912. Initially he had planned for only a three-month stay.

Shortly after taking up residence there, McLean founded an ex-pats' football team, the Scottish Wanderers. They played in the local São Paulo State League.

McLean's performances caught the attention of the Brazilian public within a year. He was picked for the São Paulo state team against Rio de Janeiro.

Later career and death

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McLean's involvement at the highest level of Brazilian football ended in the mid-1920s.

McLean died of throat cancer at 77 years of age.

Footnotes

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References

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  • Peter Cameron (31 October 2023). From Paisley to Paulo with Football — the Archie McLean Story. Linn Publishers. ISBN 978-0-9555837-0-4.
  • Jim Gilchrist. "The Scot who gave Brazil the most beautiful game of all".
  • "Archie McLean".