Brazil hero Mario Zagallo dies as tributes paid to four-time World Cup winner
Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo has died aged 92.
Zagallo reached the World Cup final a record five times, winning four, as a player and manager of Brazil. Having won the trophy as a forward in a legendary side which also contained Pele in 1958 and 1962, he became the first person to win the trophy as a player and a manager in 1970 and was involved once again when Brazil won in 1994.
He had been admitted to Barra D’Or Hospital in Rio de Janeiro on Boxing Day following a period of ill health. A statement from his family read: "It is with great regret that we announce the passing of our eternal world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo.
“A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. 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."
Mario Zagallo won the World Cup four times (ANTONIO SCORZA/AFP via Getty Images)
He had many stints as Brazil coach (KIM JAE-HWAN/AFP via Getty Images)Brazilian Football Federation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “The CBF and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its greatest legends, Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo. CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of sadness at the departure of this idol of our football.”
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Botafogo tweeted: “It is with immense regret and deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, our Zagallo. Botafogo regrets the departure of one of its greatest idols, a champion as a player and coach, with a successful and notable CV in the sport, a true legend of Brazilian football. We wish strength to family, friends and fans. His legacy here and in football will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, old wolf!”
Zagallo was born in 1931 and was not destined to become a footballer. After abandoning the idea of becoming a pilot due to poor eyesight, he studied accountancy, only to fall into football by accident while playing for a local team.
Mario Zagallo died aged 92 (Clive Mason/Getty Images)"My father didn't want me to be a football player, he wouldn't let me,” he explained later in an interview. "Back then it wasn't a profession that was respected, society didn't look kindly on it. That's why I say football came into my life by accident."
He played for Rio de Janeiro-based sides Botafogo and Flamengo and played alongside Pele and Garrincha as Brazil won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Zagallo, a left-sided forward, was also a part of the squad which retained the title four years later in Chile.
After retiring from playing in 1965, he became a successful manager, taking charge of his country as well as a whole host of Brazilian clubs, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
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