Brazilian Football Legend Mario Zagallo Dies At The Age Of 92

Brazilian legend Mario Zagallo has passed away. (Photo: Instagram @zagallooficial)

JAKARTA - Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo has passed away. He breathed his last at the age of 92.

"With deep sadness, we inform you of the death of four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo," said a statement on the legend's Instagram account, quoted Saturday, January 6.

"A dutiful father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a victorious professional, and a great human being. A great idol. A patriot who left an extraordinary legacy of achievement," the statement continued.

Zagallo won four World Cups as a player and coach. He lifted the World Cup trophy as a successive player in 1958 and 1962, which started in both finals.

Meanwhile, he lifted the trophy as a coach when he handled a team containing Pele, Jairzinho and Carlos Alberto. The team, which has been widely considered the greatest international team as long as it won in 1970.

Zagallo's last win at the World Cup came as assistant coach Carlos Alberto Parreira in 1994.

He returned as Brazilian manager after the tournament and took them to the final in 1998. Unfortunately, his team at that time lost to the host France.

Zagallo was the first to win the World Cup as a player and manager. The feat was then matched by Franz Beckenbauer of Germany and Didier Deschamps of France.