Not many of the top players now knew him but he was a household name in football as he dominated the scene in the 50s and early 60s until he hung his boot.
Mario Zagallo who won four World Cup titles later became a national coach and manager before old age forced him to retire from the stage.
He passed away at the age of 92 Saturday morning.
His death was confirmed on Saturday, January 6, by Brazilian soccer confederation president, Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Zagallo played in the World Cup final a record five times, winning four, as a player and then a coach with Brazil.
A tough and talented left winger, he played on the team that won Brazil’s first World Cup in 1958 and he kept his place in the side that retained the title four years later.
The former forward is also the first man to become world champion both as a player and a manager.
Speaking on his demise in a statement made available to the press, Rodrigues described Zagallo “as one of the biggest legends” of the sport.
–
“We offer solidarity to his family members and fans in this moment of grief for the departure of this great hero of our soccer,” Rodrigues said.
Zagallo stopped playing professionally in 1965 and began his coaching career with Rio de Janeiro club, Botafogo the following year.
The Niche
