Mario Zagallo, a key figure in Brazil’s football journey, passed away at the age of 92.
He played a crucial role in Brazil’s first World Cup win in 1958, which helped heal the wounds of a previous defeat.
Zagallo’s career as a player and coach left a lasting impact on Brazilian football, with his involvement in four of Brazil’s five World Cup victories.
His shift from an amateur player to an integral member of the national team showcased his skill and commitment. As a manager, Zagallo led Brazil to success in the 1970 World Cup, and later contributed to further triumphs with domestic and international teams. Despite narrowly missing out on a fifth World Cup victory in 1998, his enduring legacy in Brazilian football remained evident, and he briefly stepped in as a coach for Brazil following their 2002 victory.
His wife, Alcina de Castro, passed away in 2012, after 57 years of marriage.