Mourning in Football: Zagallo, dies at 92 years old, leaving a remarkable history in national and world football
The legendary former player and coach, affectionately called "Old Wolf", left a lasting mark on the football scene, being an iconic and respected figure for decades, both nationally and internationally.
Zagallo is the only four-time world champion in the history of football -Photo Reproduction/EFE
The world of football is in mourning with the news of the death of Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, aged 92. The legendary former player and coach, affectionately known as "Velho Lobo", left an indelible mark on national and world football, being an iconic and respected figure for decades. Zagallo, the only four-time world champion football player, passed away in Rio de Janeiro this Friday (5).
The information was confirmed by the former player's advisors. Revered as one of the greatest legends of Brazilian football, Zagallo had been hospitalized since the end of December, dying due to multiple organ failure.
"We regretfully announce the death of Mr. Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, aged 92, at 11:41 pm on 01/05/2024, as a result of multiple organ failure, resulting from the progression of multiple previously existing comorbidities", says the note from Barra D'Or hospital, which stated that it sympathizes with family and friends for their loss.
"It is with great regret that we inform you of the passing of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo", says the note published by the family and continues: "A devoted father, loving grandfather, affectionate father-in-law, faithful friend, successful professional and a great human being . 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 and we ask the Father that we find comfort in the good memories and the great example you leave us", concludes the note.
Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo
Born on August 9, 1931, in Maceió, Alagoas, Zagallo dedicated a large part of his life to the sport he loved. His career began as a player, playing as a left winger, and quickly gained prominence, becoming one of the protagonists of the golden era of Brazilian football in the 50s and 60s. His skill, speed and vision of the game were characteristics that made him stand out on the field, and he had a brilliant career that included four World Cups, being champion in three of them (1958, 1962 and 1970).
Zagallo began his career in Brazilian football in the youth teams of América, whose headquarters were located in Tijuca, before moving to Flamengo. At the age of 18, he received a call-up for military service, marking the beginning of his relationship with the World Cups. However, this beginning was marked by a setback, when he played the role of security in the Maracanã stands during Brazil's defeat to Uruguay in the 1950 World Cup final, witnessing the tragic Maracanazzo.
Later, Zagallo Became a professional as a left winger, winning the third Rio championship with Flamengo from 1953 to 1955. In 1958, he was part of the Brazilian team that won the first World Cup in the country's history, standing out with a goal in the final against Sweden (5-2). His nickname, "Formiguinha", reflected his ability to run tirelessly and contribute to midfield marking, something unusual for attackers at that time.
Four years later, already established as a champion athlete for Botafogo, he won his second world championship as a player in the 1962 World Cup. In 1964, ended his career as a player and began a new career as a coach, starting at Botafogo itself. After ending his career as a player, Zagallo did not move away from the sport he loved so much. He made a successful transition to coaching career, taking over the Brazilian team a few months before the 1970 World Cup, succeeding João Saldanha. Under his leadership, he guided Pelé and his teammates towards their third world championship, being considered by many as the best team of all time.
The long-awaited fourth title came in 1994, when, as technical coordinator alongside Carlos Alberto Parreira, Zagallo played a crucial role in the victorious campaign during the World Cup in the United States. He narrowly missed out on winning the penta: as coach of the national team, he reached the 1998 World Cup final, however, the team was defeated by Zidane's France.
Zagallo also played the role of coach in the other three big teams in Rio de Janeiro (Flamengo, Vasco and Fluminense), in addition to managing Bangu. In addition to his success with the Brazilian national team, Zagallo had a notable international career, coaching teams in different countries, that is, his experience extended beyond national borders, leading the teams of Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. It is worth noting that during his command in Saudi Arabia, he was also in charge of Al Hilal, a team currently associated with Neymar.
Charismatic personality
In addition to his football achievements, Zagallo will also be remembered for his charismatic personality and his dedication to the sport. His passion for football was evident in every interview and public appearance. In 1997, after winning the Copa América, Zagallo made one of his famous statements, challenging the team's critics: "You're going to have to swallow me". Games with the number 13 were frequent; whenever the opportunity arose to mention a phrase with 13 letters, he didn't let it go.
Farewell to the "Old Wolf"
The news of Zagallo's death reverberated across the football world, with players, coaches and fans expressing sadness and paying tribute to the sporting legend on social media. Zagallo's body will be laid to rest from 9:30 am on Sunday (07) at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation, located on Avenida Luiz Carlos Prestes, in Barra da Tijuca. The wake will be open to the public. The burial is scheduled for 4pm at the São João Batista cemetery, in Botafogo, in the South Zone of Rio de Janeiro.
