Brazilian Mario Zagallo, , who reached the World Cup final a record five times and lifted the World Cup trophy four times, has died. He was 92 years old.
Zagallo became the first to win a world title, first as a player (twice) and then as a coach (also twice).
For many Brazilian football fans, his name is synonymous with patriotism, resilience and glory.
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President of the Brazilian Football Confederation Ednaldo Rodriguez said in a statement that Zagallo is one of the sport's greatest legends.
— We express our solidarity to his family members and fans at this sad moment regarding the passing of this great hero of our football, — Rodriguez said.
Several Brazilian clubs where Zagallo played and coached also expressed their sadness over his death.
What is known about Mario Zagallo
Zagallo has played a role in almost every important chapter in the history of Brazilian football, from the first World Cup title in 1958 to the tournament Brazil hosted in 2014. Former Brazil national team coach Tite visited him before the World Cup qualifying matches in 2018 and 2022.
He was a forward for Brazil when they won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden and the 1962 World Cup in Chile, and was one of the first players to operate as a false winger, playing between midfielders and strikers.
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Zagallo finished his playing career in 1965, and the following year began his coaching career at the Botafogo club from Rio de Janeiro. Five years later, he was appointed coach of the Brazilian national team, which then included Pele, Jairzinho, Gerson and Roberto Rivelino.
Under his leadership, the Seleção became world champions in 1970 in Mexico, and in 1994, when the Brazilians again won the World Cup — Zagallo was an assistant coach.
He is also considered one of the most superstitious figures in Brazilian football, in particular due to his love for the number 13.
Zagallo said that 13 — his lucky number, since it contains the last two digits of the year of his birth: 1931. He always emphasized any connection, even coincidental, between the number 13 and his football success.
