Brazil’s Football Legend, Mario Zagallo Dies Aged 92
Brazilian football legend, Mario Zagallo, who won four World Cups as a player and coach, has lost his life at the age of 92.
Zagallo was a winger in the Brazil team who won back-to-back World Cups in 1958 and 1962, starting in both finals.
Zagallo’s final World Cup triumph came as Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach in 1994.
He returned as Brazil’s manager after that tournament and led them to the final in 1998, where they were beaten by hosts France.
Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager – a feat that has since been matched by Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer and France’s Didier Deschamps.
“With enormous sadness, we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo,” a statement on his official Instagram account said.
“A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional, and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.”
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva disclosed that Zagallo was “one of the greatest football players and coaches of all time“.
“Zagallo was an example of a Brazilian who never gave up,” he added on X (formerly Twitter).
“It is this lesson and spirit of affection, love, dedication, and overcoming that he leaves for our entire country and world football.“
Zagallo’s wife of 57 years, Alcina de Castro, died in 2012. They had four children.
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “The CBF and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its legends.
“The CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of sadness at the departure of this idol of our football.”
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said Zagallo’s “influence on football, and Brazilian football in particular, is supreme”.
“In times of need, Brazil has looked to ‘The Professor’ as a calming presence, a steering hand, and as a tactical genius,” added Infantino.
“He will be remembered as the godfather of Brazilian football and his presence will be sorely missed by everyone in the game but especially here at Fifa.“
