At the age of 93, the legend of Brazilian and world football, Mário Zagallo, has passed away.
“With great regret, we announce the death of our eternal world champion, Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo. Devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, professional winner, and a great man”, – said the statement on Zagallo’s Instagram page.
As a footballer, he twice became a world champion in 1958 and 1962. In 1970, Zagallo led Brazil to victory as a coach, and in the triumphant 1994 World Cup, he served as an assistant to Alberto Parreira. Thus, Zagallo is the world’s only four-time world champion.
At the club level, the former midfielder played for his hometown team America, as well as Flamengo and Botafogo. As a coach, Zagallo also worked with the national teams of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In his homeland, he managed Vasco da Gama, Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, Portuguesa, and Bangu.