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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
George Flood

Mario Zagallo: Brazil football legend and World Cup hero dies aged 92

Brazil football legend Mario Zagallo has died at the age of 92.

The hugely influential Zagallo was a World Cup winner both as a player and manager, the first person ever to achieve that feat, part of the successful 1958 and 1962 teams alongside the likes of Pele before then coaching the star-studded Selecao to success at the famous 1970 tournament in Mexico, aged just 38.

He had multiple spells in charge of the Brazil national team and was also the assistant to Carlos Alberto Parreira when they lifted the trophy again in the USA in 1994. He was in charge when Brazil lost the 1998 final in France, when his side were beaten 3-0 by the hosts in Paris following the health incident suffered by star striker Ronaldo.

Zagallo's passing was confirmed in the early hours of Saturday morning in a statement from Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

"We offer solidarity to his family members and fans in this moment of grief for the departure of this great hero of our soccer," Rodrigues said.

A message on Zagallo's Instagram account read: "It is with great regret that we announce the passing of our eternal world champion, Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo.

"A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements."

Zagallo earned 33 senior international caps as a player for Brazil between 1958-64, spending his club career with Flamengo and Botafogo.

His long managerial career included three separate spells as Brazil coach and further stints on the backroom staff and as caretaker boss.

He managed all of Botafogo, Fluminense, Flamengo and Vasco da Gama more than once, also taking charge of the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and United Arab Emirates (UAE) national teams, plus the likes of Al-Hilal, Bangu and Portuguesa before retiring in 2006.

Zagallo had spent time in hospital over recent years being treated for respiratory, back and urinary infections. He also underwent stomach surgery in 2005 and was treated for an irregular heartbeat during his final spell at Flamengo.

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