Brazil's four-times World Cup winner Zagallo dies at age 92

Brazilian football icon Mario Zagallo, who won four World Cup titles as a player and a coach, has died at age 92, his family said on his Instagram account on Saturday.

"With enormous sadness, we inform you of the death of our eternal four-time world champion Mario Jorge Lobo Zagallo," the statement said.

"A devoted father, loving grandfather, caring father-in-law, faithful friend, victorious professional and a great human being. Giant idol. A patriot who leaves us a legacy of great achievements."

Zagallo was a forward when Brazil won their first two World Cups in 1958 and 1962. He coached the team to 1070 glory and was assistant coach of Carlos Alberto Parreira for the 1994 triumph.

The only other men to win the World Cup as player and coach after him are German Franz Beckenbauer and Didier Deschamps of France.

Deschamps was a France player in the 1998 final where Les Bleus denied Zagallo a fifth World Cup title, again as Brazil coach.

National federation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues named Zagallo "one of the greatest legends" of Brazilian football in an Instagram post.

He announced a seven-day mourning period, a minute silence ahead of weekend games, and a statue of "eternal champion" Zagallo at the CBF museum.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva named Zagallo one of the greatest players and coaches in a statement on X, formerly, Twitter.

"A great winner and a symbol of love for the Brazilian national team and for Brazil," Lula said.

""Courageous, committed, passionate and superstitious, Zagallo was an example of a Brazilian who never gave up. He leaves this lesson and this spirit of affection, love, dedication and overcoming to our entire country and to world football."

Former Brazil player Ze Roberto named Zagallo "a patriot who leaves us a legacy of great success," and FIFA president Gianni Infantino said that Zagallo's influence on football in and outside of Brazil was "supreme."

"In times of need, Brazil has looked to 'The Professor' as a calming presence, a steering hand and as a tactical genius," Infantino said in his Instagram story.

"He will be remembered as the godfather of Brazilian football and his presence will be sorely missed by everyone in the game but especially here at FIFA."