*SUPERB LOT* Jorge Brown, the great man of Argentine football between 1890 and 1911. He was the Maradona of prehistory and supreme star of Alumni! Vintage Jorge Brown Alumni (Argentina) Match Worn Shirt for Exhibition Matches during 1923-1925.
Jorge Brown with his cousin Juan played exhibition games for Alumni in 1923-1925!
*Provenance: Collection of relatives of Brown- Museum Letter!*
Story of Jorge Gibson Brown:
We often unearth a delightful anecdote (it is the duty of journalism not to let certain testimonies die) about Jorge Brown, the great man of Argentine football between 1890 and 1911. He was the Maradona of prehistory and supreme star of Alumni, the legendary team of the Brown brothers that managed for the first time to beat the English clubs that came on tour to the Río de la Plata every year.
Jorge Brown was the predecessor of Pedernera, Batistuta, and Kempes. He was a defender and sometimes a centre forward. As a defender, he had a way of driving the crowds crazy. When a long ball was thrown to an opposing forward, Jorge Brown – who was paired with the opponent – would run towards his goal at top speed, gain speed, reach the line of the ball, get over it and then… suddenly turn around, face the ball and give it a tremendous kick, deflecting it far away and removing the danger. The crowd went crazy over… “that”. No stopping it with the chest, feinting and playing out. But that’s fine, let’s respect the times, it was what there was. And it was liked.
Many years after his retirement – in 1929 – the Copa América was played in Argentina and Don Jorge, a prominent figure in the British community in Buenos Aires, was invited to kick off the match at the old and famous San Lorenzo pitch. The magazine El Gráfico took the opportunity to interview him and asked him if he still went to see matches. The Englishman replied sharply, almost with disdain: “No, football was like it used to be.”
As a footballer he stood out mainly at Alumni Athletic Club, where he won nine local titles, and in the Argentine National Team, being captain of both teams.
He started playing at Buenos Aires English High School, until he finished school. In 1896 he made his debut at Club Palermo and, the following year, he moved to Lanús AC. Later he returned to Buenos Aires English High School (which would later become Alumni). He played there until 1911, winning nine local tournaments. In addition, he formed a historic team with four of his brothers (Carlos, Ernesto, Alfredo and Eliseo) and with his cousin Juan Brown. In 1912, he finished his career at Quilmes.
From 1908 to 1941 he was a regular in the Argentine National Team, thanks to his great performances in the local tournament. He was captain of the national team and played 23 matches.
Shirt details: 8050 tag - trademark and Made in Argentina in cotton material.