Brazil’s Football Icon Zagallo, Last Survivor of 1958 Team, Passes Away at 92
Brazil is mourning the loss of one of its most iconic former football players and managers, Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo, who passed away at 92.
He fell ill over Christmas and was hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro before his recent passing, marking the end of an era as the last member of the renowned 1958 Brazilian team.
A Legacy of World Cup Triumphs:
Zagallo secured his place in football history by winning four World Cups for Brazil, both as a player and a manager. His remarkable journey began as a talented winger, capturing his first World Cup victory in 1958 and repeating the feat in 1962.
Transitioning to management after his playing career, he led the famed 1970 Brazilian side, considered one of the greatest in football history, to World Cup glory.
Family Announcement and Tributes:
Announcing his passing via social media, Zagallo’s family described him as a devoted father, grandfather, and a victorious professional who leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements.
His highly superstitious nature, tied to the number 13, was well-known in Brazil, attributing luck to the number throughout his life’s milestones.
From Football Fan to Iconic Player:
Zagallo’s journey into football began despite his initial aspiration to become an airline pilot, which he had to abandon due to poor eyesight.
He expressed how football came into his life serendipitously, emphasizing the lack of societal respect for the sport during his early years.
Zagallo’s Football Career and Legacy:
Starting as a left midfielder, Zagallo made strategic moves within positions to secure his place in the Brazil side, showcasing his intuition and adaptability.
His association with legendary players like Garrincha and a young Pele during the 1958 World Cup remains a significant highlight of his career.
Personal Life and Enduring Legacy:
Zagallo’s personal life reflected his commitment, marrying Alcina de Castro in 1955 and remaining devoted until her passing in 2012. Their union resulted in four children.
Zagallo’s passing marks the end of an era for Brazilian football, leaving behind an enduring legacy of World Cup triumphs and a storied career that forever links him to the iconic 1958 Brazilian team.
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