The legendary Brazilian footballer and coach Mario Zagallo died at the age of 92. The news was revealed this Saturday in an Instagram post from his official account.
Zagallo won four World Cups with Brazil as a player and coach. Achieving national hero status, he was one of only three individuals to win the tournament title in both roles.
He had been hospitalized numerous times in recent months at the Barra D’Or Hospital in Rio de Janeiro; in fact, they determined that the reason was multiple organ failure.
In a post on social media, his loved ones: “It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo.
“A devoted father, a loving grandfather, a loving father-in-law, a faithful friend, a successful professional and a great human being. A giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements.
“We thank God for the time we were able to spend with you and we ask the Father that we find comfort in the good memories and the great example you leave us.”
Who was Mario Zagallo?
Zagallo, a small left winger, rose through the Brazilian amateur ranks in the 1950s. He personified the country’s desire to combine offensive brilliance with defensive solidity. He also displayed an admiral level of dedication while combining his own vast experience.
Unbeknownst to many, the forward would contribute to four of Brazil’s five World Cup victories.
While playing for Flamengo and Botafogo, he was a five-time Rio de Janeiro state champion. He did not debut for Brazil until he was 26, just before the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. But then he quickly cemented his place in the team and made 37 international appearances.
Of the Brazilian team that won the first major trophy in the country’s history, Zagallo was the only survivor. Furthermore, he was the one who helped ease the agony of losing to Uruguay in a devastating match at the Maracana eight years earlier.
In a nation ruled by a military dictatorship, Zagallo returned to the sport after retiring, this time as a coach. He took over his old team, Botafogo, and won two more state championships with them.
Despite being a player a generation ahead of his time, the former left winger wasted no time in establishing himself as a valuable coach. Ten years later, he became coach of the national team.
He led the Selecao to victory in the 1970 World Cup with stars such as Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho and Pelé. It was the “best memory of him as a coach” when Brazil surprised the world with an incredible performance.
Brazil declares three-day national mourning
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil has since proclaimed a three-day period of national mourning. “He was one of the best soccer players and coaches of all time,” Lula said in a statement.
“Brave, passionate… [he] He leaves a lesson of love, dedication and will to improve for our country and for world football.”
Photo credit: IMAGO / TheNews2 IMAGO / Gemini Collection
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