Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo was one of the most significant figures in the history of Brazilian and world football. Born on August 9, 1931, in Atalaia, Alagoas, he stood out not only as a player but also as a coach, contributing to victories that marked generations. His career is filled with World Cup triumphs, tactical innovations, and an unwavering passion for the sport. Zagallo passed away on January 5, 2024, at the age of 92, leaving a legacy that continues to be celebrated. This article explores his life, career, and enduring influence, with updates through 2025.
Early Life and Background
Zagallo came from a humble family with deep roots in Brazil’s Northeast. His parents, Haroldo Cardoso Zagallo and Maria Antonieta de Sousa Lobo, were from Alagoas, and his paternal grandparents were Portuguese. As a baby, his family moved to Rio de Janeiro, where he grew up in the Tijuca neighborhood. From an early age, he showed an interest in sports, particularly football, though his father wanted him to pursue a stable career as an accountant to assist in the family textile business.
His older brother, Fernando, convinced their father to let Mário pursue his football dreams. Living on Professor Gabizo Street, Zagallo began playing for amateur teams. He was a member of the America Football Club, where he also practiced volleyball and table tennis, winning youth titles in these sports. In 1948, he joined America’s youth ranks, winning the Rio de Janeiro Amateur Championship in 1949 and contributing to the Torneio Início of the Carioca Championship.
His development as an athlete was marked by discipline and versatility. Zagallo was known for his speed and intelligence on the field, traits that would later define him as a left-winger. He also developed a strong religious devotion, being a practicing Catholic. On January 13, 1955, he married Alcina de Castro, and this date influenced his famous superstition with the number 13, tied to his wife’s devotion to Saint Anthony, celebrated on June 13. This belief manifested in various moments of his career, such as the sum of years of victories or significant game dates.
Playing Career
Early Clubs: Flamengo and Botafogo
Zagallo signed his first professional contract in 1951 with Flamengo, where he stayed until 1958. During this period, he played 205 matches, with 128 wins, 38 draws, and 39 losses, scoring 29 goals. His time at the club was successful, particularly during the Carioca Championship three-peat in 1953, 1954, and 1955. Known as “Formiguinha” (Little Ant) for his agility and tireless dedication, he became a cornerstone of the team.
After the 1958 World Cup, Zagallo left Flamengo due to delays in contract renewal. Despite offers from São Paulo clubs like Portuguesa and Palmeiras, he chose to stay in Rio and signed with Botafogo for 3 million cruzeiros. From 1958 to 1965, he played 300 matches and scored 46 goals, cementing his status as a club legend. He won the Carioca Championship in 1961 and 1962, as well as the Rio-São Paulo Tournament in 1962 and 1964. Alongside icons like Garrincha, Didi, and Nílton Santos, he formed part of one of Brazilian football’s most memorable teams.
A 1959 injury led him to play in Botafogo’s reserve team to regain form, where he helped win the junior Carioca Championship. In 1960, he returned to the first team in top shape. His versatility was remarkable: he dropped back to mark opponents, aiding the defense and innovating the tactical setup of the time. Zagallo retired in 1965 after 13 years as a professional, leaving a trail of achievements and admiration.
Brazilian National Team
For the Brazilian National Team, Zagallo played from 1958 to 1964, appearing in 36 matches and scoring 5 goals. His international debut was unforgettable: he won the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, scoring a goal in the final against the hosts (a 5-2 victory). Alongside coach Vicente Feola, he pioneered the 4-3-3 formation, dropping back to support the midfield, which was crucial to Brazil’s success.
In 1962, in Chile, Zagallo was a starter after Pepe’s injury and helped secure the second consecutive World Cup title. Beyond the World Cups, he won a silver medal at the 1959 Copa América in Argentina and titles like the Oswaldo Cruz Cup (1958), Bernardo O’Higgins Cup (1959), and Atlantic Cup (1960). His tactical contributions and dedication made him one of the most respected players of Brazilian football’s golden era.
Coaching Career
Early Coaching and Club Career
After retiring as a player, Zagallo began coaching in 1966 with Botafogo’s youth teams. He soon took over the senior team, winning the 1968 Taça Brasil – the first national title for a Rio club – and the Carioca Championship in 1967 and 1968. He also won the Caracas World Tournaments in 1967 and 1968. He returned to Botafogo in 1975, 1978, and 1986-1987.
At Flamengo, he managed 236 matches between 1972-1974, 1984-1985, and 2000-2001, with 116 victories. He won the 1974 Carioca Championship and the 2001 Copa dos Campeões. At Fluminense, in 1971-1972, he won the 1971 Carioca Championship. At Vasco da Gama, in 1979 and 1990-1991, he won the 1988 Carioca Championship during his second stint. Abroad, he coached Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia (1980-1981), winning the Saudi Championship in 1979, and national teams like Kuwait (1976-1978, runner-up in the 1976 Asian Cup), Saudi Arabia (1984-1985), and the United Arab Emirates (1989-1990). Stints at Bangu (1988-1989) and Portuguesa (1999) were less successful but showcased his versatility.
Brazilian National Team
Zagallo is legendary for his work with the Brazilian National Team. In 1969-1970, he led Brazil to the 1970 World Cup title in Mexico, with a stellar team featuring Pelé. In 1974, he finished fourth in Germany. As a technical coordinator from 1991-1994, he contributed to the 1994 World Cup victory in the USA under Carlos Alberto Parreira. In 1998, in France, he was runner-up as head coach.
As a coordinator from 1994-1998 and 2003-2006, he helped secure titles like the 1997 Confederations Cup, 1997 Copa América, and a silver medal in the 1995 Copa América. At the 1996 Olympics, he won bronze. His record is impressive: 135 matches with the senior team (99 wins), 19 with the Olympic team (14 wins), and 72 as a coordinator (39 wins). His final role was in 2006, again with Parreira.
Achievements and Records
Zagallo holds unique records: four World Cup titles in different roles – player (1958, 1962), coach (1970), and coordinator (1994). He participated in seven World Cups, reaching five finals. He received the FIFA Order of Merit in 1992 and was ranked the ninth-best coach of all time by Soccer Magazine in 2013. At Botafogo, he is an eternal idol, with August 9 celebrated as “Botafogo Fan Day.” In 2020 rankings, he was placed ahead of coaches like Jürgen Klopp.
Personal Life and Superstitions
Zagallo was known for his strong personality and superstitions. The number 13 was his talisman: he married on January 13, and many of his achievements tied to the number 13 in dates or letters. A devotee of Saint Anthony and Saint Padre Pio, he influenced coaches like Carlo Ancelotti, who in 2025 received a tribute from the CBF and Nike linking their shared faith. He had four children and lived a discreet family life in Rio.
Death and Tributes
Zagallo passed away on January 5, 2024, in Rio, due to multiple organ failure following hospitalizations for a urinary infection. The government declared three days of mourning, and his wake was held at the CBF headquarters, with burial at São João Batista Cemetery. Tributes came from former players, clubs, and organizations like FIFA. The CBF declared seven days of mourning, and figures like Pelé (deceased) and Ronaldo paid homage.
Legacy and Updates in 2025
Zagallo’s legacy endures in 2025. In January, on the anniversary of his death, the CBF issued a statement commemorating what would have been his 93rd birthday in August 2024. Tributes continue: in October 2025, old videos resurfaced, such as a passionate outburst reposted by Jornal dos Sports, celebrating his connection with fans. FIFA honored him in 2024 at The Best awards alongside Charlton and Beckenbauer.
In 2025, a spiritual connection with Ancelotti was highlighted: a Nike and CBF gift linked the two through their devotion to Saint Anthony and Saint Padre Pio, symbolizing Zagallo’s global influence. Clubs like Botafogo hold annual events, and his name is invoked in discussions about modern tactics. In updated rankings, he remains the greatest World Cup winner, inspiring new generations. His estimated R$13 million estate reflects not only material wealth but his immeasurable impact on Brazilian football.
(Zagallo pioneered the 4-3-3 formation, influencing modern schemes. His children and fans celebrate his legacy at events, such as his Asian Cup runner-up finish and national titles. In 2025, with the 2026 World Cup approaching, analysts cite Zagallo as a reference for coaches. Tributes include murals at Maracanã and documentaries. His devotion to Botafogo is eternal, with the club planning a statue. Updates show that, even after his death, Zagallo is remembered in awards and debates about football icons.)
