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Mario Zagallo, the Brazilian soccer icon who was the first player and manager to win the World Cup, has died at the age of 92.
Zagallo’s Instagram post on Saturday morning confirmed the news. The caption read: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo.
“A devoted father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a winning professional, and a great human being. A huge idol. A patriot who leaves us with great accomplishments.”
Zagallo became the first person to win a World Cup as both a player and a coach. As a player, Zagallo was a winger who contributed to victories in 1958 and 1962. Zagallo, known as ‘The Professor’, led the Selecao to victory as coach in 1970 and Pele’s side were considered one of the best international sides in history.
Zagallo, who had already established himself as a soccer legend in Brazil, returned to the national team set-up as an assistant in 1994 before being appointed head coach for the 1998 World Cup. His team came one game away from winning the World Cup for the fourth time with Zagallo as player and manager, but lost 3-0 to France in the final.
During his 14 years as a player with Flamengo and Botafogo, Zagallo won 33 caps for the national team. After hanging up his shoes, he would go on to manage Brazil for three different periods. Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates.He took command during the Brazilian domestic game. Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo, Vasco da Gama, Bangu, Portuguesa. He also managed Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia, his only role as a club manager outside of Brazil.
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) President Edonardo Rodríguez issued a statement praising Zagallo. “The CBF and Brazilian football are mourning the death of one of our legends,” he said.
“CBF expresses its solidarity with his family and fans at this sad moment of the retirement of this footballing idol.”
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