Mario Zagallo, who reached the World Cup final a record five times, winning four, as a player and then a coach with Brazil, has died.
He was 92. The first person to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager, Zagallo is for many Brazilian soccer fans a synonym of patriotism, grit and glory.
Brazilian soccer confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement in the early hours of Saturday confirming Zagallo's death that Zagallo «is one of the biggest legends» of the sport. «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.
Several Brazilian clubs where Zagallo played and coached also expressed their sorrow for his death. Zagallo's social media channels called him «a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a victorious professional and a great human being.» «A gigantic hero.