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

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

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

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.

References

• 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".