Brazilian legend and four-time World Cup winner Mario Zagallo dies at 92 (1 Viewer)

[MartinGee]

Brazilian football icon Mario Zagallo, a key figure in the nation's sports history, passed away at the age of 92. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to four different World Cup victories for Brazil—two as a player, one as a manager, and one as an assistant coach.

Zagallo continued his involvement in the football scene, serving as a special adviser during Brazil's triumph in the 2002 World Cup, marking the nation's fifth title. He also managed the team in the 1998 final and made a return as a technical assistant in the 2006 World Cup, concluding his remarkable career in the sport.

"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."
"The CBF and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its legends," added Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

"The CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of sadness at the departure of this idol of our football."

Zagallo's remarkable journey in football unfolded with back-to-back World Cup victories as a player in 1958 and 1962. In the 1958 final, he scored a crucial goal as Brazil, led by the young Pele, clinched their first-ever world championship in Sweden. Four years later, in Chile, Zagallo played a vital role as Brazil successfully defended their title.

As the last surviving member of the 1958 starting lineup, Zagallo earned recognition in the All-Star team of the 1962 World Cup, where Pele's absence due to injury highlighted Zagallo's contributions.

Transitioning from player to manager, Zagallo left an indelible mark by orchestrating Brazil's 1970 World Cup triumph—a team often hailed as the greatest in football history.

He achieved the rare distinction of winning the World Cup both as a player and a manager, a feat later matched by Franz Beckenbauer and Didier Deschamps. In 1998, Zagallo returned to lead Brazil in a World Cup where they entered as favorites but succumbed to a defeat by hosts France in the final, marred by Ronaldo's mysterious fit on the match day.

Zagallo's connection with World Cup finals had a poignant chapter in 1950 when, as a player, he experienced the heartbreak of Brazil losing to Uruguay—a moment etched as one of the darkest in Brazilian sports history at the Maracana.

Beyond his 33 national team caps and his integral role in World Cups, Zagallo had significant ties to Flamengo and Botafogo at the club level. Teaming up with Garrincha at Botafogo, he later managed both clubs, starting his coaching career at Botafogo before taking on the Brazil managerial role. Zagallo had four coaching stints at Botafogo and three with Flamengo.

His coaching odyssey extended internationally, steering Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, guiding the latter to their first-ever World Cup in 1990. Over his illustrious career, Zagallo managed over 1,200 games, securing 15 domestic titles, a Copa America, a Confederations Cup, and an Arabian Gulf Cup, in addition to his four World Cup triumphs.