Author: Soorya G
In a recent publication by the British magazine FourFourTwo, a list of the 100 best coaches of all time was revealed. This list follows the previous compilation of the 100 most aesthetically pleasing club shields in the world, in which four Brazilian teams were recognized. Once again, the spotlight turns to Brazil in this ranking, with the inclusion of legendary coaches: Carlos Alberto Parreira, Telê Santana, Luiz Felipe Scolari and Mario Zagallo.
At the head of this prestigious list is Sir Alex Ferguson, the remarkable figure who won 19 titles during his two decades as Manchester United manager. The legendary Scot dominated the English top flight for almost three decades, winning 13 Premier League titles with Manchester United.
Among Brazilians, it is Zagallo who occupies the highest position, in 27th place. His most lauded achievement was the 1970 World Cup, when he led Brazil to victory. That triumph is celebrated as one of the greatest moments in soccer history, showcasing a team that included iconic talents such as Jairzinho, Rivelino, Tostão and Gerson. Although Zagallo is in 27th place, his achievements speak louder. Winner of the World Cup twice as a player, alongside stars such as Pelé and Garrincha, the 92-year-old also won the trophy twice later, once as coach and once as manager of the Brazilian national team.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alberto Pereira (55th place) holds the incredible record of having taken part in the most World Cups as a coach. The Brazilian has led his teams to the World Cup on six occasions.
Telê Santana (44th place), known as the father of the revival of Brazilian soccer in the late 1970s and 1980s, had an exceptional career as a coach and even took part in the World Cup as Brazil’s coach on two different occasions.
Luis Felipe Scolari’s managerial career (39th place) has revolved around his country for four decades, coaching teams such as Palmeiras, Grêmio and Cruzeiro, as well as winning the 2002 World Cup in sensational fashion. Scolari returned to Atlético MG on an 18-month contract.