He was a key member of the teams that won the Football World Cups in Sweden in 1958 (the first of his country), and Chile in 1962 (the second for his country). He also scored a goal in the 1962 world cup final, while he had started both the finals of 1958 and 1962 from the first minute. Despite having such huge successes as part of his national team, the man became a legend not for his prowess on the field, but on the sidelines, as a coach. He coached his country to a world cup victory in 1970, formulating a team that is considered by many as the greatest international team of all time; thus, becoming the first man to win the football world cup both as a player, and a coach. Then again in 1974, this man coached his country's team for the world cup in West Germany but was denied the ultimate prize by titans Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff in the semifinal match. But the man was not done yet!
He returns to his country's football team as the assistant coach this time, and his country wins the world cup again in 1994. Many would have taken it easy after this, but this legend was not at all done, and had a great deal to offer to football and of course, his country. He returns as the main coach of his country's team again in 1998, but his country was denied the ultimate prize by the likes of Zidane, and maybe lack of effort and commitment of his star player Ronaldo! Let's not dwell on that for now and continue talking about this legend and his career that is nothing less than an epic akin to Greek mythology. And this great legend, as if to complete his epic journey with due magnificence, returns to his country's football team as a special adviser to the team's technical staff, and his team again wins the ultimate football prize - the World Cup; and, associating this great football legend with all five of his country's world cup victories. People would think one would give up now, but Zagallo was part of the coaching staff of Brazil in the 2006 world cup too. But nature and destiny had been catching up with him now. He was unwell in the lead-up to the 2006 tournament. Management of the team was a strain, and he finally retired from the game. Although the team lost out in the quarterfinals 2006, the man remained true to his football passion and country. He continued to portray an apologetic nationalism, which was immortalised through his outbursts and the most famous one was screamed into the television cameras: "You're going to have to put up with me!" after Brazil won the Copa America in Bolivia in 1997.
Well, the team is Brazil, obviously! The only five-time winner of the World Cup. And the man is none other than the great Mario Zagallo.
His association as a key catalyst for all five world cup victories of Brazil is proof enough of his contribution to football. Brazil is the only country that has appeared in every world cup to date, only team to have lifted the cup five times, and their relationship with football is like none other. Brazil has been entertaining the world with their attacking and creative style, producing generations of the greatest of footballers that include Pele, Garincha, Zico, Socrates, and more; and then came the likes of Romario, Rivaldo, Bebeto, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho. Zagallo is definitely among these names, but he demands special mention, underscoring his great achievements not only as a player, but most importantly as a coach.
If Pele was the first God of football, and all others that came along following his path are either gods, and/or demigods, Zagallo must be termed as the Immortal, the Eternal of football. In his 50 years of association with football, Zagallo achieved this special mention not only for his achievements as a coach, but also the contribution he made to football's development.
In his youth, he was a soldier. This legendary manager once stood guard at the Maracana stadium during the 1950 World Cup. This military background would form the basis of a work ethic that would earn him the nickname "The Little Ant" during his time as a coach. According to football experts, Zalgallo's tactical philosophy was centred around attractive and attacking football, often referred to as "Jogo Bonito" or the beautiful game in Brazil. He believes that football should be a spectacle, not just a competition, and his teams have always reflected this ideology on the pitch. His style of play is characterized by fluid passing, quick transitions, fullbacks pushing up to create overloads and an emphasis on technical ability. Zalgallo's teams are characterised by flair, breathtaking skills, and mesmerising goal-scoring displays. If Pele, Zico, Cruyff, Puskas, and the likes of him were the great players of the footballing stage, Zagallo established himself as the Shakespeare of football tactics, crafting football tactics that mesmerise us even today.
In the realm of football management, certain figures stand out as revolutionaries. Pioneers who not only change the sport for good through their success and innovation but through the exquisite football they play. Zagallo was definitely this pioneer, this revolutionary of the football world. Just to add further justification to his persona, he was nicknamed the Wolf having the Brazilian word (lobo) for wolf in his name - Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo. He aptly epitomises this nickname as he is one of a kind, solely making a separate category of greatness, making him the true "lone wolf" of football world. This is further personified through his idiosyncratic personality, being a highly superstitious person, believing that the number 13 (of all numbers to consider lucky!) brought him luck.
Zagallo passed away on Friday last (January 05). A great legend's journey of this world has taken a new turn admitting him to the next world. Rather than just pay a tribute to this great immortal of football, who seemingly possessed the Norse Golden Apples of football, making him the bestowed of immortality to others like those he coached during his stellar career. Thus, rather than paying a tribute to this legend, it is much more appropriate to celebrate the great life and epic career he had. Viva Zagallo! O imortal do futebol!
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