Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo (9 August 1931 – 5 January 2024), a key figure in Brazil’s Football history, was the first to win the FIFA World Cup as a player and a manager. Zagallo holds the record for World Cup titles in general with four titles in total. Also, he holds the record for World Cup finals with six participations. Zagallo won the competition in 1958 & 1862 as a player and 1970 as a manager. FIFA awarded Mario Zagallo the FIFA Order of Merit in 1992 for his enduring contributions to football, marking it as the highest honor bestowed by the organization. He was named the 9th Greatest Manager Of all Time by World Soccer Magazine in 2013. On 5 January 2024, Zagallo died at the age of 92. He was noted as the last surviving Brazilian player who participated in the 1958 World Cup Final.
Early Life
Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo was born in Atalaia in the northeastern state of Alagoas on 9 August 1931. As a young man, Zagallo served as a soldier and was stationed at the Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro during the 1950 World Cup. The experience of witnessing that significant defeat on home turf likely had a profound impact on him and the nation’s football psyche.
Career
Mario Zagallo as a Player
He began his football career with América Football Club in 1948. He showcased his skills and talent as a forward, demonstrating his speed, technique, and tactical awareness on the field. Zagallo’s commitment and talent earned him a total of 33 caps (international appearances) for the Brazilian national team between 1958 and 1964, showcasing his significance as a player on the international stage and his contributions to Brazil’s football successes during that period.
Zagallo’s adaptability was a significant asset. He could operate not only as a left winger but also as a forward, displaying versatility by playing in different attacking roles.
Whether as a main striker or inside forward, he used speed and tactical awareness to bolster his team’s attacking prowess. His ability to excel in multiple roles on the field contributed to his success both at the club level and with the Brazilian national team.
Mario Zagallo as a Manager
Mario Zagallo began his managerial career at Botafogo, the club where he concluded his playing career. Zagallo transitioned into coaching, and one of his initial managerial roles was with Botafogo. Mário Zagallo made history by becoming the first person to win the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a manager, solidifying his status as a significant figure in football history.
In 1970, Zagallo led Brazil to win the FIFA World Cup in Mexico as their manager. Brazil played exceptional football during that tournament, showcasing an attacking and creative style that led them to the championship. Their success in 1970 marked Zagallo’s achievement as a World Cup-winning manager.
Zagallo’s achievements, both as a player and a coach, have earned him immense respect in the world of football. Zagallo is a key figure in Brazil’s football history, pivotal to their international success.
