Zagallo

Lore & Background

Zagallo was born in Atalaia, Alagoas, of Lebanese descent, and moved to Rio de Janeiro at eight months old. He served in the Brazilian Army and was deployed at Maracanã during the 1950 World Cup decisive match. He started his career at América's youth sector, joined Flamengo in 1950, and helped the club win three consecutive Campeonato Carioca titles between 1953 and 1955. In 1958 he moved to Botafogo, winning two Torneio Rio–São Paulo and two Campeonato Carioca titles, retiring in 1965. He earned 33 caps for Brazil from 1958 to 1964, scoring five goals, and played in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories. As a manager, he led Brazil to the 1970 World Cup title, coached them in 1974 (fourth) and 1998 (runners-up), and was technical assistant in 2006. He also coached Botafogo, the United Arab Emirates to their first World Cup qualification in 1990, and other clubs. He received the FIFA Order of Merit in 1992 and was named the ninth greatest manager of all time by World Soccer Magazine in 2013.

In Their Own Story

The locker room was quiet before the Intercontinental Cup match in Tokyo. Zagallo stood at the whiteboard, marker in hand, his expression unreadable. Outside, the noise of a global stage waited to be conquered. He did not shout tactics; he spoke softly about patience and trust. 'We are Flamengo,' he reminded them. 'The world knows our name.' When the team filed out onto the pitch, they walked with the calm confidence of men who knew their coach had already won the battle in his mind.

Reader's Guide

Zagallo was a diminutive left winger known for technical skill, high defensive work-rate, and attacking runs, earning the nickname 'Formiguinha' (Little Ant). As a manager, he implemented a fluid 4–2–3–1 formation in the 1970 World Cup, using five number tens (Pelé, Rivellino, Tostão, Jairzinho, Gérson) and a high back-line, emphasizing attacking play and joga bonito. In the 1990s, he adopted a more defensive 4–2–2–2 formation with a double pivot, using attacking full-backs and a partnership of Ronaldo and Romário. He was nicknamed 'The Professor' and 'Velho Lobo' (Old Wolf).

Did You Know?

• Zagallo was the last surviving Brazilian player from the 1958 World Cup final.
• He was the first of three men to win the World Cup as both player and manager, and the only one to do each more than once.
• He scored a goal in the 1958 World Cup final.
• His death left Amarildo as the last surviving Brazilian player from the 1962 final.