At the age of 92, Mario Zagallo, the last surviving member of the Brazil team that clinched the 1958 World Cup trophy, has passed away. The Brazilian soccer confederation president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, December 6, expressing condolences and describing Zagallo as one of the sport’s greatest legends.
“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. Zagallo, who won five Rio de Janeiro state championships with Flamengo and Botafogo, made his Brazil debut at 26 just before the 1958 World Cup in Sweden. Despite his late start, he became an essential part of the team, earning 37 caps.
Zagallo made history by playing in the World Cup final a record five times, winning four times as both a player and a coach with Brazil. He holds the distinction of being the first individual to achieve the status of world champion in both roles, player and manager.
