Mario Zagallo, an icon in Brazilian football, has passed away at 92. He made history by winning four World Cups, both as a player and a coach.
As a winger, Zagallo was pivotal in Brazil’s consecutive World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962. He later showcased his coaching brilliance by guiding the famous Brazilian team, featuring legends like Pele and Jairzinho, to glory in the 1970 tournament.
In 1994, he contributed as an assistant coach in Brazil’s World Cup victory, a feat he repeated in the 1998 tournament, where Brazil reached the final but lost to France.
His legacy as the first to win the World Cup both as a player and coach stands as a testament to his incredible achievements. His official Instagram account mourned the loss of this esteemed figure, describing him as a devoted family man and a professional of great triumphs.
Zagallo’s impact on Brazilian football history was profound. From witnessing Brazil’s defeat in the 1950 World Cup as a teenager to playing a significant role in the country’s five World Cup titles, including scoring a crucial goal in the 1958 final against Sweden.
Beyond the pitch, he transitioned to management, leading Brazil’s successes in subsequent tournaments, notably the 1970 World Cup in Mexico.
Zagallo’s extensive career spanned both domestic and international roles, managing clubs and national teams across continents. He notably guided the United Arab Emirates to their first World Cup qualification in 1990.
His wife, Alcina de Castro, preceded him in death in 2012, and they had four children together.
The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, paid tribute, acknowledging Zagallo’s legendary status and the immense loss felt by Brazilian football and its fans.
Mario Zagallo’s extraordinary contributions to football have left an enduring mark in Brazilian football history, cherished by football enthusiasts worldwide.
