Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, the Brazilian football legend who won the FIFA World Cup as a player, a manager, and an assistant manager, passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 92. He was widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in the history of the sport, holding the record for the most World Cup titles in general with four.
Zagallo was born in Atalaia, Brazil, on August 9, 1931. He started his football career as a forward, playing for Flamengo and Botafogo, where he won several domestic titles. Also represented Brazil in 36 international matches, scoring five goals. He was part of the legendary Brazil teams that won the World Cup in 1958 and 1962, alongside stars like Pelé, Garrincha, and Didi.
After retiring as a player, Zagallo became a successful manager, leading Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo, and several national teams, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. His greatest achievement, however, was guiding Brazil to their third World Cup title in 1970, with a team that is widely considered the best ever, featuring players like Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, and Rivelino. Zagallo became the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a manager, a feat that has only been matched by two others: Franz Beckenbauer and Didier Deschamps.
Zagallo continued his involvement with the Brazil national team, serving as an assistant manager in 1994, when Brazil won their fourth World Cup, and as a manager again in 1998, when Brazil finished as runners-up. He also won the Copa América and the FIFA Confederations Cup in 1997, and the bronze medal at the 1996 Olympics. He was the coordinator of the Brazil team that participated in the 2006 World Cup, his last official role in football.
Zagallo was honored with the FIFA Order of Merit in 1992, the highest award of the world football governing body. He was also inducted into the Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2014. He was nicknamed “Velho Lobo” (Old Wolf) for his leadership and tactical acumen, and “Formiguinha” (Little Ant) for his tireless work ethic and versatility on the pitch.
Zagallo is survived by his wife Alcina, his sons Mário and Paulo, and his daughter Rogéria. He will be remembered as a football icon and a national hero, who inspired generations of players and fans with his passion, skill, and charisma.