Brazil Football Superstar Mario Zagallo Dies at 92

Mario Zagallo, the Brazil football superstar, has died at the age of 92.

Zagallo achieved the remarkable feat of winning four World Cups, both as a player and a coach, according to BBC.

As a winger for Brazil, he played a pivotal role in the team's consecutive World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962.

Later, as a coach, he guided the iconic 1970 team to another triumph, featuring stars like Pele, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto.

His final World Cup success came in 1994 when he served as assistant coach to Carlos Alberto Parreira.

"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.

Mario Zagallo faced several health challenges throughout his life. In 2005, he spent over a month in the hospital after undergoing stomach surgery.

Four years earlier, he required medical care for an irregular heartbeat while coaching Flamengo.

Before the 2014 World Cup, he spent 12 days in the hospital due to a back infection. He was ultimately released just in time for the opening match.

In August of the preceding year (2020), Zagallo spent 22 days in the hospital, this time due to a urinary infection.

Upon his return home to Rio, he was filmed in a wheelchair, expressing resilience with the statement, "We are stronger than ever!"

National Mourning Declared by Brazil President Lula da Silva

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared three days of national mourning to honor the legacy of Mario Zagallo, affectionately known as the "Old Wolf," per Al Jazeera.

Lula praised Zagallo's contributions as a player and coach, highlighting his courage, passion, and significant impact on Brazilian and world football.

The president acknowledged Zagallo's role in coaching the historic 1970 World Cup-winning team and the 1994 repeat.

Tributes have poured in from the global football community, with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino lauding Zagallo's influence on Brazilian football and describing him as a "tactical genius."

Mario Zagallo: A Charismatic Figure and Superstitious Traditions

Brazil football superstar Mario Zagallo, often referred to as one of the most charismatic figures in Brazilian football, was known for his fondness for the number 13 and the phrase "you will have to put up with me," defiantly directed at his critics.

The superstition around the number 13 stemmed from its connection to his birth year, 1931, and Zagallo often linked it to his football successes, The Guardian noted.

Mario Zagallo played a crucial role in numerous chapters of Brazilian football history, from the country's first World Cup title in 1958 to the 2014 tournament.

Even in recent years, his insights were sought by coaches like Tite, who consulted him before leading Brazil in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

The Brazil football superstar's influence spanned both his playing and coaching careers.

As a forward, he helped Brazil secure World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962. He transitioned to coaching and led Brazil to their third World Cup title in 1970.

Subsequently, he coached the team in the 1974 World Cup, securing a fourth-place finish.

Returning as assistant coach in 1994, Zagallo celebrated another World Cup victory in the United States.

Mario Zagallo, the Brazilian football superstar, took on the role of head coach in 1988, guiding Brazil to the final in France, where they were defeated by the hosts.

Despite criticism for allowing Ronaldo to play amid health concerns, Zagallo remained steadfast in his decision.

His final coaching stint with the national team was in 2006 as Carlos Alberto Parreira's assistant, where Brazil fell short of securing a sixth World Cup title in Germany.

Mario Zagallo's enduring legacy is marked by his dedication, achievements, and the indelible impact he left on Brazilian football.

The nation and the football world mourn the loss of a true legend.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: The first person to win the World Cup as both and a player and a manager, Mario Zagallo has died - From NTV Kenya