Brazilian Football Legend Mario Zagallo Passes Away

Mario Zagallo, the first person to win the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a coach, has passed away at the age of 92. The Brazilian legend breathed his last in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on January 5, 2024, leaving behind a profound sense of mourning in the land of Samba.

"We extend our condolences to the family and fans for the loss of our football hero," said Ednaldo Rodrigues, the President of the Brazilian Football Federation, as reported by ESPN.

Ednaldo Rodrigues also referred to the late Mario Zagallo as "one of the greatest legends" in the world of sports.

In a statement on social media, the extended Zagallo family described him as the "eternal world champion" and an extraordinary individual in his own right.

"A devoted father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a highly accomplished professional, and an exceptional human being. An idol par excellence. A patriot who leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of achievements."

Mario Zagallo, born in Atalaia, Brazil, on August 9, 1931, achieved World Cup victory four times, both as a player and a coach. He was also the first person to accomplish this feat before similar achievements by Franz Beckenbauer in Germany and Didier Deschamps in France.