World-famous Brazilian footballer passes away, 3 days of mourning declared!

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has declared 3 days of national mourning following the death of Mario Zagallo, who won 4 World Cups with the Brazilian National Team as a player, coach, and coordinator.

Following Zagallo's passing on January 6 at the age of 92, Lula da Silva issued a statement saying, "In memory of the eternal Mario Zagallo, 3 days of official mourning have been declared in the country."

Lula da Silva stated that Zagallo was the coach of the Brazilian National Team known as the "strongest" squad of all time, adding, "He was one of the greatest footballers and coaches of all time, a great winner, and a symbol of Brazil."

Zagallo was the first person to win the World Cup as both a player and a coach.

Mario Zagallo most recently served as a coordinator on head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira's staff for Brazil, which reached the championship at the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Following the death of Pele, Zagallo was the last surviving member of the team that won the 1958 World Cup for Brazil in the final match.

Zagallo, who wore the national team jersey 33 times, spent his entire professional playing career at Flamengo and Botafogo.

News Source: AA