Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo has died at the age of 92.
He won four World Cup titles as a player or coach, including the 1970 side that many consider the best of all time.
The left winger starred in the team that won the World Cup for the first time in 1958, and was part of the team that retained the title four years later.
Pele embraces Mario Zagallo in 1970. Photo: AP
Zagallo went on to coach all-time greats, including Pele, Jairzinho, Rivelino and Tostao, leading them to victory again in 1970.
He was also an assistant coach when Brazil won their fourth title in 1994, and was the first person in the sport to win a World Cup as a player and manager.
In a statement on Instagram, his family described him as an “eternal world champion.”
They added: “A devoted father, a loving grandfather, a caring son-in-law, a loyal friend, a triumphant professional, and a great human being. A giant idol. My patriot leaves us with a legacy of great achievements.”
“We thank God for the time we were able to spend with you and ask the Father that we find comfort in the good memories and great example you leave for us.”
Zagallo enjoyed success as a player and coach
Born in 1931, Zagallo's first dream was to become a pilot, but he had to give it up due to poor eyesight.
He went on to study accounting and became a football player by chance after playing for a local team in his spare time.
He once said in an interview: “My father didn’t want me to become a footballer, and he wouldn’t let me.
“At that time it was not a respectable profession, and society did not look at it kindly… That is why I say that football entered my life by chance.”
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A statue in Zagallo's honor will be unveiled in 2022
Known for his eccentric personality, Zagallo was not afraid to challenge those who criticized his management style.
One famous revolt came after Brazil won the Copa America in Bolivia in 1997, despite not being the favorite team to lift the trophy.
After the final whistle, he shouted in front of the television cameras: “You have to bear with me!” – a phrase that is still often repeated in Brazil.
He was very superstitious and believed that the number 13 brought him luck. Zagallo married on the 13th, and once joked that he would retire at 1:00 p.m. on 13 July 2013.
Last August, Zagallo spent two weeks in a hospital in Rio de Janeiro due to a urinary tract infection, and after he was discharged from the hospital, a video clip showed him returning home in a wheelchair.
Referring to his famous catchphrase, he quipped: “You're going to have to keep putting up with me!”
Zagallo married Alsina de Castro and remained with her until her death in 2012. They had four children together.
