Author: Soorya G
Mario Zagallo, the legendary Brazilian soccer icon who has the distinction of being the first individual in the sport’s history to triumph at the World Cup as both a player and a coach, has been hospitalized due to a urinary infection, medical professionals said on Wednesday. This happened just a week after his 92nd birthday.
The Barra D’Or hospital in Rio de Janeiro announced that Zagallo had been hospitalized on Tuesday, clarifying that his condition remains “clinically stable, lucid and breathing without assistance”. At the moment, there is no definite deadline for his discharge.
This occurred just over a year after Zagallo’s previous hospitalization, during which he spent around fifteen days in semi-intensive care at the same institution due to a respiratory illness.
In the annals of soccer, Zagallo left an unshakeable mark throughout his long career as a player and manager. He played alongside Pelé in the Seleção, an illustrious partnership that led Brazil to glory at the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. Zagallo’s prowess was characterized by a distinctive blend of attacking artistry and defensive firmness.
Changing roles, but maintaining his excellence, Zagallo became a coach. He orchestrated Brazil’s triumphant 1970 World Cup campaign, a team often hailed as one of the most extraordinary in history. He was also victorious once again in a managerial position with the Seleção in 1994, when he fulfilled his role as coordinator of Carlos Alberto Parreira’s team. At the World Cup level, Zagallo’s feat as a player and coach has only been repeated by Franz Beckenbauer of Germany and Didier Deschamps.
Recently, celebrating his 92nd birthday, Zagallo decided to share his joy with the world through a post on Instagram. The photo showed him surrounded by his loved ones, with a beaming smile.
“Marking my birthday in the best possible way, in the company of my dear family. Thank you for all your love” he wrote.
The soccer community around the world wishes the Brazilian idol a full and speedy recovery.