President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil somberly declared a three-day national mourning period on Saturday, paying tribute to the legendary football figure Mario Zagallo, who clinched the World Cup four times and passed away at 92.
Zagallo, a key player alongside Pele in Brazil’s triumphant 1958 and 1962 World Cup squads and later a victorious coach, succumbed to multiple organ failure on Friday, as confirmed by Rio de Janeiro’s Barra D’Or hospital, where he had been undergoing treatment for various health issues in recent months.
Lula spearheaded a cascade of tributes to the individual affectionately dubbed the “Old Wolf,” who masterfully guided Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning squad featuring Pele — widely regarded as one of the greatest teams in history — and later contributed as an assistant coach when the “Selecao” replicated the triumph in 1994.
‘He was one of the greatest football players and coaches of all time,’ Lula said in a statement.
‘Courageous, passionate… (he) leaves a lesson of love, dedication and the will to overcome for our country — and for world football.’
Messages also poured in from around the football world.
‘Zagallo’s influence on football, and Brazilian football in particular, is supreme,’ said FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
Infantino called the diminutive left winger a “tactical genius,” underlining his role in four of football powerhouse Brazil’s five World Cup titles — more than anyone in history.
‘He will be remembered as the Godfather of Brazilian football and his presence will be sorely missed… The story of the FIFA World Cup cannot be told without Mario Zagallo,’ Infantino said.
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Standing in rarefied company, the exclusive list of individuals who have claimed World Cup glory as both player and coach includes Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer (1974 and 1990) and France’s Didier Deschamps (1998 and 2018).
Joining in the commemoration, both current and former players, featuring Brazilian World Cup icons Ronaldinho, Romario, Bebeto, Taffarel, and Cafu, conveyed their condolences to the departed Mario Zagallo.
‘Thank you for everything, Professor!!! Rest in peace,’ Ronaldinho posted on Instagram, alongside a photo of him and Zagallo.
‘He’s as important as Pele,’ Romario told journalists.
‘Today is a sad day for football.’
‘Thank you for everything, LEGEND,’ current Brazil and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said a minute’s silence for Zagallo would be held at upcoming matches.
Many of Brazil’s top-flight clubs also paid tribute, including ones where Zagallo played or coached, such as Rio de Janeiro teams Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense and Vasco.
Officials announced that a public wake for Zagallo will take place from 9:30 am (1230 GMT) Sunday at CBF headquarters in Rio, followed by a burial at the Sao Joao Batista cemetery, a hallowed ground where some of Brazil’s most prominent citizens find their eternal rest.
Adored in Brazil for his contributions to football and his charismatic personality, Zagallo is celebrated for his infectious humor, strong superstitions — particularly his allegiance to the number 13 — and his spirited, unyielding passion for the sport.
The timing of Zagallo’s death adds to the somber atmosphere in Brazilian football, which was already mourning the departure of Pele just over a year ago.