Brazilian football mourns the loss of one of its greatest legends, Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, the only four-time world champion, who passed away at the age of 92 in Rio de Janeiro. The former player and coach, an iconic figure in the history of the sport, was an attacker for the national team in the victories of the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, coached in 1970, and served as an assistant in the 1994 triumph. Let’s revisit the journey of this giant of Brazilian football and his significant contributions to the sport he loved so much.
Zagallo, born in Atalaia (AL), led a life dedicated to football, shaping his career from his early steps on the Rio de Janeiro pitches. His relationship with Tijuca, the neighborhood where he grew up, was crucial to his development as a player and later as a coach. From pickup games at the Maracanã to the youth teams of América and success with Flamengo, Zagallo crafted a unique story.
Zagallo’s legacy transcended generations, leaving an indelible mark on the most crucial moments in Brazilian football. As a player, his participation in the 1958 and 1962 World Cups is immortalized, with victories that have become part of sporting history. Upon ending his playing career in 1964, he embarked on a successful coaching career, starting with Botafogo.
The pinnacle of Zagallo’s coaching career was in 1970 when he took charge of the national team just before the World Cup in Mexico. Under his leadership, Brazil achieved the trichampionship in one of the most memorable campaigns in football history. Later, in 1994, he played a role as a technical coordinator in the quadrennial victory, leaving his mark on another glorious page in Brazilian sports.
Beyond his successes with Rio de Janeiro clubs and the national team, Zagallo also had stints with foreign national teams, showcasing his expertise in different contexts of world football. In 1997, his iconic phrase “Vocês vão ter que me engolir!” (“You will have to swallow me!”) after winning the Copa América became a symbol of his strong and confident personality.
Zagallo’s passion for football was evident in every gesture, and his superstition around the number 13 became a trademark. Whether in post-victory banter or significant moments in his personal life, the number 13 was always present. Now, the eternal Zagallo also has 13 letters, a detail that only reinforces the special connection he had with this number.
The National Team Museum, by honoring the 1998 coach Zagallo, immortalized his influence and importance to Brazilian sports. His presence will be missed, but his legacy continues to thrive on the fields and in the hearts of those who love football. The farewell to the giant of Brazilian football leaves a void, but the memories of his victories and contributions remain as an eternal testament to his lasting impact.
In this moment of mourning, we pay tribute to Zagallo, the eternal icon of Brazilian football. Read more about his contributions on NitroNewsBrasil.