Mario Zagallo funeral: Brazil pays its last respects to World Cup great

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Mario Zagallo, the first individual to bag a World Cup victory as a player and a coach, has been honored in Brazil with an emotional farewell by fans, peers, and mentors alike. Regarded by most as the living symbol of Brazil's national squad, his vibrant flair and finesse had earned him admirers around the globe. The Brazil soccer federation headquarters was swathed in a huge banner proclaiming "Zagallo eternal", the venue where the Sunday funeral was conducted at the confederation's museum. A private Catholic rites for Zagallo's kin and friends will also be held at the same place in early afternoon hours prior to transportation of his casket to the Sao João Batista cemetery, through a brief procession across Rio de Janeiro. Zinho, a former national team player, expressing his gratitude for Zagallo said, "He was the reason I had a job with the national squad,” he said, sobbingly kissing Zagallo's forehead as he lay in an open casket prior to the funeral. “It was only recently that I had intended to visit him and although he was unwell, he made sure to call me for a talk later. I feel like I have lost a father.” Zagallo, a four-time World Cup champion (1958 and '62 as a player, 1970 as a coach, 1994 as an assistant coach) for Brazil, succumbed to multiple organ failure late Friday at age 92. Reports suggest he was rushed to the hospital post-Christmas. A life-size sculpture of the soccer icon was showcased near his casket; a statue Zagallo himself unveil in October 2022 from his wheelchair. Replicas of Brazil's quintet of World Cup trophies won were arrayed before Zagallo's casket. His sons received miniature versions at the funeral. Paulo Zagallo, expressing gratitude, said, “I am eternally thankful to people worldwide for showering my dad with affection. He was cognizant until the final moment. It was God's wish to grant him peaceful rest without suffering.” Enthusiasts like 56-year-old Jair Almeida Alves while applauding his casket sported a Botafogo jersey, a club once represented by Zagallo as a player and coach. Alves considers him a national icon saying, "He exemplifies what it means to be Brazilian. People failed to realize Zagallo's significance to our football and our identity until his later years,” Alves said. “This is a commemoration of his life, he led an amazing life, bringing joy to all and carving his place in history.” As the surviving member of Brazil’s 1958 World Cup winning squad, his contributions to Brazilian football are unparalleled, from their inaugural World Cup win in 1958 to the tournament hosted in 2014. Former Brazil coach, Tite sought Zagallo’s counsel before leading the national team to the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. He was the torch-bearer for Brazil in the 1970, 1974, and 1998 World Cups, tasting success in the first. He was the assistant coach during Brazil's victorious campaign in the 1994 World Cup. Ronaldo, one of Brazil's legendary footballers, sent a wreath with his tribute saying: “Zagallo, your exploits will forever be cherished. Thanks for your tutelage. Rest easy. I love you.” A three-day nationwide mourning was ordered by Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Saturday.