Iconic Brazilian Soccer Legend Mário Zagallo Passes Away at Age 92
Brazilian soccer legend Mário Zagallo, who achieved the remarkable feat of winning the World Cup four times as both a player and coach with Brazil, passed away at the age of 92 His official Instagram account confirmed the sad news on Saturday
Soccer legend Mário Zagallo, who won the World Cup four times with Brazil as both a player and coach, passed away at the age of 92, his official Instagram account announced on Saturday. Zagallo was a key player in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup winning teams before leading Brazil to victory as head coach in 1970, guiding the team to be recognized as one of the greatest in history.
Having achieved this success, he made history as the first person to win the tournament as both a player and a coach before securing a fourth trophy in 1994 as assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our legendary four-time world champion Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo," read the statement on his Instagram.
He was a devoted father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a faithful friend, a successful professional, and an outstanding human being. He was a true role model and a patriot who leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements.
We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share our lives with him, and we pray that we find solace in the cherished memories and the incredible example he set for us all.
Pelé embraces Mário Zagallo after the latter's appointment as coach of the Brazilian national soccer team in March 1970.
Zagallo’s deep involvement in four out of his country's five World Cup wins - and his advisory role in the team's fifth win in 2002 - made him an emblematic figure for the Seleção, showcasing his successful record and unwavering patriotism.
He told FIFA for a documentary celebrating his 90th birthday that his passion for the national team began when they lacked players and a coach, and the color yellow became ingrained in his mind. Following his passing, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) declared a seven-day mourning period to honor the memory of their "eternal champion." Additionally, a minute of silence was observed at all matches during the first round of the Northeast Cup Qualifiers.
"The CBF and Brazilian football are deeply saddened by the loss of one of its greatest legends, Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues expressed his condolences to Zagallo's family and fans in this difficult time, mourning the departure of this football icon."
Zagallo had limited playing time for Brazil before the 1958 World Cup, but he proved to be a vital part of the team during the tournament, enabling coach Vicente Feola to alter formations. The FIFA documentary also notes that Zagallo scored a goal in the final. He was the sole surviving member of the legendary team's starting line-up that competed in the 1958 World Cup final.
Zagallo won four World Cups.
In 1970, Zagallo, as head coach, effectively utilized Brazil's attacking talent, resulting in what is arguably the greatest goal scored in a World Cup final by Carlos Alberto, with the assistance of nine of the 10 outfield players in the creation of the goal.
His keen understanding of the game and tactical knowledge led to him being affectionately called "Old Wolf" and "The Professor," and his passionate outbursts and superstitious attachment to the number 13 made him a beloved figure in Brazil. FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Zagallo as a man whose influence on the FIFA World Cup is unmatched, and who had a significant impact on soccer both in Brazil and internationally.
Brazil and Real Madrid star Ãder Militão was also among those paying tribute to Zagallo, posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, "Thank you for everything you did for Brazilian football!"
