Mario Zagallo, Brazil’s World Cup winning player and coach, dies at age 92

Brazil’s Mario Zagallo, the only person to ever win four FIFA World Cup titles, has died at 92. He was a symbol of patriotism, grit and glory.

Mario Zagallo, who won two World Cups as a player, one as a coach and another as an assistant coach for Brazil, has died. He was 92.

The first person to win the World Cup both as a player and a manager, Zagallo is for many Brazilian football fans synonymous with patriotism, grit and glory.

The only person to ever win four World Cup titles was also the last living member of Brazil's starting team in its first championship victory in the tournament in 1958.

Zagallo died late Friday night of multiple-organ failure as a consequence of multiple comorbidities, Hospital Barra D'Or in Rio de Janeiro said in a statement. Local media reported he was hospitalized after Christmas.

Brazilian football confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement in the early hours of Saturday confirming Zagallo's death that Zagallo “is one of the biggest legends” of the sport. The funeral will take place Sunday at the confederation's headquarters.

“We offer solidarity to his family members and fans in this moment of grief for the departure of this great hero of our football,” Rodrigues said. Several Brazilian clubs where Zagallo played and coached also expressed their sorrow for his death.

Zagallo's social media channels called him “a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a victorious professional and a great human being.” “A gigantic hero. A patriot that leaves us a legacy of great achievements,” the text added, without giving more details about Zagallo's death.