Mário Zagallo

Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo was born in Maceió, Alagoas, on 9 August 1931, and became one of football’s defining figures as both player and coach. A left winger noted for tactical discipline, he began senior football at América of Rio de Janeiro before joining Flamengo in 1951. With Flamengo, he won the Campeonato Carioca in 1953, 1954, and 1955. In 1958 he moved to Botafogo, where he played alongside stars including Garrincha, Nílton Santos, Didi, and later Jairzinho. Botafogo won the Rio state championship in 1961 and 1962, and Zagallo remained there until ending his playing career in 1965 professionally. Zagallo was selected by Brazil for the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, initially competing for a place with José Altafini, known as Mazzola. He started the final against Sweden, a 5–2 victory, and scored Brazil’s fourth goal. Four years later, in Chile, he again started the final as Brazil defeated Czechoslovakia 3–1 to retain the trophy. He therefore joined the small group of players to win two World Cups. His role was not simply decorative: coach Vicente Feola used his willingness to track back to give greater balance to a side led by Pelé, Garrincha, Vavá, and Didi in attack. After retiring, Zagallo became Botafogo’s coach and won the Campeonato Carioca in 1967 and 1968. He took charge of Brazil shortly before the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, replacing João Saldanha. Brazil won all six matches, culminating in a 4–1 final victory over Italy at the Estadio Azteca. With Pelé, Jairzinho, Tostão, Rivellino, and Carlos Alberto, the team is often celebrated for its attacking football; Zagallo’s decisions also included placing Jairzinho on the right and using Clodoaldo in midfield. The title made him the first person to win the World Cup both as a player and as a head coach. He coached Kuwait at 1976 Asian Cup, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Brazilian clubs, while repeatedly returning to Brazil’s national setup. As Carlos Alberto Parreira’s assistant, he was part of Brazil’s 1994 World Cup-winning staff in the United States. He then led Brazil to the 1998 final in France, where the holders lost 3–0 to the hosts. In 2002, as coordinator, he again helped when Brazil won its fifth title. FIFA identified Zagallo as the first individual to participate in four World Cup triumphs: 1958, 1962, 1970, and 1994. He died in Rio de Janeiro on 5 January 2024, aged 92.