Brazil Declares 3 Days of National Mourning for Zagallo’s Death
Brazil Mourns the Loss of Football Legend Zagallo
The football world has been shaken by the passing of Mario Zagallo on January 6 at the age of 92. A statement released by Lula da Silva announced that Brazil will be observing three days of official mourning in honor of the legendary figure.
Zagallo, who served as the coach of the Brazilian National Team, is remembered for leading what has been described as the “strongest” squad of all time. Lula da Silva paid tribute to Zagallo, hailing him as one of the greatest football players and coaches in history, a symbol of Brazil, and a remarkable winner.
One of Zagallo’s most significant achievements was being the first person to win the World Cup both as a player and a coach. His role as the coordinator of coach Carlos Alberto Parreira’s championship-winning team in the 1994 World Cup in the USA cemented his legacy in football history.
Zagallo’s passing also marks the end of an era, as he was the last surviving member of the team that secured Brazil’s victory in the 1958 World Cup, following the recent passing of Pele.
Throughout his career, Zagallo represented the national team on 33 occasions and devoted his entire football career to playing for Flamengo and Botafogo.
The loss of Mario Zagallo is deeply felt not only in Brazil but also by football enthusiasts around the world. His contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on the game will never be forgotten.