Brazil's four-time FIFA World Cup champion, Mario Zagallo, passed away at the age of 92, confirmed by the country's football body on Saturday. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) expressed condolences, stating, "The CBF and Brazilian football mourn the death of one of its greatest legends, Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo. The CBF offers solidarity to his family and fans in this moment of grief," as conveyed by CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues.
To honor Zagallo, seven days of mourning were declared, and a minute's silence will precede all matches this weekend. Admitted to a Rio de Janeiro hospital at the end of December, the football icon left an indelible mark by being the first to achieve a World Cup title both as a player and coach, a feat later mirrored by Franz Beckenbauer for Germany and Didier Deschamps for France.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed deep sadness, describing Zagallo as the "Godfather of Brazilian football" and emphasizing his unparalleled impact on the FIFA World Cup. Zagallo's legacy includes winning consecutive World Cups in 1958 and 1962 as a player and leading Brazil to victory as head coach in 1970. He also served as assistant coach in Brazil's triumph at the 1994 World Cup. Despite a loss in the 1998 World Cup final, Zagallo's influence on Brazilian football remains enduring.
News ID : 2708