Mário Zagallo: Brazilian football legend dies aged 92

The Brazilian football legend Mário Zagallo has died aged 92. He passed on January 5th, 2024. "The Old Wolf" Zagallo was one of Brazil's most iconic football figures next to Pelé, Ronaldo, and Rivaldo. The legendary left-winger was in the winning starting eleven that claimed Brazil's first-ever World Cup!

Zagallo was a football genius with incredible capabilities on and off the pitch. He won two World Cups as a player in 1958 and 1962, and would later claim another two as a coach in 1970 and 1994. Zagallo helped shape the Brazilian Football Federation into what it is today.

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"The eternal champion. A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional, and a great human being. A 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," shared his family on Instagram.

Born in Maceió, Brazil, on August 9th, 1931. Zagallo grew up surrounded by football, however he dreamed of becoming a pilot. He was forced to abandon the idea due to his poor eyesight.

He didn't choose the world of professional football, it chose him. Zagallo went on to study accounting but ended up as a footballer after playing with his local team during his spare time.

Zagallo turned to professional football and joined Club America in 1948, a modest club from Rio. He would later join Flamengo for eight seasons and Botafogo for another seven.

"My father didn't want me to be a football player, and wouldn't let me. Back then it wasn't a profession that was respected, society didn't look kindly on it...That is why I say football came into my life by accident," shared Zagallo during an interview.

He was regarded as a very competitive player with great skill and dedication to the game. Zagallo was a regular starter for Brazil's national squad alongside Pelé and would have a big impact on bringing home their first World Cup title ever.

His great vision and understanding of the game proved him to be a worthy coach and would go on to see him win two World Cup titles as a coach. He led the legendary 1970 squad to another World Cup title and became the fist footballer to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach!

Zagallo was also very superstitious and had strict routines before his matches. Number 13 was his lucky number and would even go as far as to marry his wife on January 13th! The Brazilian legend would often joke he would retire from football on July 13th, 2013, at 13:00 (1:00 pm).

A sad day for football fans across the world. Nevertheless, Zagallo's legacy will forever live in the hearts of his fans. "The Old Wolf" is still idolized by many modern Brazilian players, who often regard him as the God Father of Brazilian football.