Mario Zagallo, the legendary figure who helped lead Brazil to victory in the World Cup on four separate occasions, has passed away at the age of 92.

Mario Zagallo, the legendary figure in Brazilian football, has sadly passed away at the age of 92. This remarkable man achieved the incredible feat of winning the World Cup four times, both as a player and as a coach.

Zagallo began his journey to greatness as a winger for the Brazilian national team. He played a pivotal role in securing consecutive World Cup victories in 1958 and 1962. His skills and determination on the field were unmatched, and he quickly became a national hero.

In 1970, Zagallo took charge of the Brazilian national team as their manager. With an exceptional squad consisting of iconic players such as Pele, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto, he led his team to yet another World Cup triumph. This historic achievement made Zagallo the first person to win the prestigious tournament as both a player and a manager. Only Franz Beckenbauer for Germany and Didier Deschamps for France have since matched this remarkable feat.

Zagallo’s contribution to Brazilian football did not end there. In 1994, he served as Carlo Alberto Parreira’s assistant coach during the World Cup, where Brazil emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout against Italy. Four years later, he once again took on the role of manager, but unfortunately, his team suffered a defeat in the final against France in 1998, with a scoreline of 3-0.

The news of Zagallo’s passing was confirmed through a statement on his official Instagram account. The statement described him as a devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional, and a great human being. He was hailed as a giant idol and a patriot who leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements.

Zagallo was widely respected for his tactical expertise, earning him the nicknames ‘The Professor’ and ‘Old Wolf’. His Brazil team, featuring the likes of Pele, Jairzinho, Gerson, Tostao, and Rivellino, is considered one of the greatest in history. They won every game of the 1970 World Cup, culminating in a resounding 4-1 victory over Italy in the final.

The football world mourns the loss of Mario Zagallo, a true legend of the game. His contributions to Brazilian football and his remarkable achievements will forever be remembered and celebrated.