Brazilians Say Farewell to Late Football Great Mario Zagallo
Brazilians bid a final farewell to Mario Zagallo, a football legend known for his four World Cup victories as a player and coach. Zagallo passed away at the age of 92, marking the end of an era for one of Brazil’s most celebrated generations in the beloved sport. Mourners, dressed in black and the iconic yellow of the Brazilian national team, gathered at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to pay their respects. The venue featured a giant banner in Zagallo’s honor, while nearby, the country’s five World Cup trophies were on display, a testament to his immense contributions to Brazilian football.
As a diminutive left-wing player, Zagallo’s tactical brilliance played a vital role in securing four World Cup victories, a record unmatched in the history of football. He later distinguished himself as a coach, leading the 1970 world champion team that included the legendary Pelé. He also served as an assistant coach when Brazil triumphed once again in 1994. The news of Zagallo’s passing prompted heartfelt tributes from his former colleagues and football legends. Bebeto, a member of the 1994 team, mourned the loss of a sporting legend, and Brazilian coach Tite and CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues were among those paying their respects.
Zagallo was known not only for his sporting achievements but also for his warm personality, profound superstitions, and unwavering passion for the game. He was the last surviving member of the team that clinched Brazil’s first World Cup victory in 1958, following the passing of Pelé in December 2022. However, Zagallo’s death comes at a challenging time for Brazilian football. The national team recently suffered several defeats in World Cup qualifiers, leading to the dismissal of coach Fernando Diniz. As Brazil sits at a disappointing sixth place in South American qualifying, the appointment of Sao Paulo coach Dorival Junior as the new Brazil coach offers a glimmer of hope, although it awaits confirmation from the CBF.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva declared three days of national mourning following Zagallo’s passing, reflecting the nation’s deep admiration for the beloved football figure. Tributes also poured in from the wider football community, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailing Zagallo as a tactical genius. Renowned World Cup winners Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Romario expressed their reverence, alongside current Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who simply referred to him as a LEGEND. Zagallo now joins the exclusive company of Franz Beckenbauer of Germany and Didier Deschamps of France as the only individuals to have claimed World Cup victories both as players and coaches.
Zagallo’s funeral procession took place in the streets of Rio de Janeiro, with his casket hoisted atop a bright red fire truck. A small crowd of fans clapped and cheered as the procession passed by, paying their respects to the cherished football icon. Finally, he was laid to rest in the Sao Joao Batista cemetery alongside other prominent Brazilian figures.
Mario Zagallo’s passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in Brazilian football, leaving a legacy that spans not only his four World Cup victories but also his warm-hearted charisma and undying love for the sport. Brazilians and football fans worldwide will forever remember the contributions of this legendary figure who has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
