Brazilian football legend Mario Zagallo died aged 92 on Friday, with the exact cause of death not immediately shared.
Zagallo won two World Cups as a player, one as a coach and another as an assistant coach for Brazil.
He became the first person ever to win the World Cup both as a player and manager back in 1970, and has been revered among Brazilian football fans for generations.
Brazilian soccer confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement early on Saturday that Zagallo “is one of the biggest legends” of the sport.
“We offer solidarity to his family members and fans in this moment of grief for the departure of this great hero of our soccer,” Rodrigues said.
Many Brazilian clubs where Zagallo played and coached also expressed their sorrow for his death.
A post on his Instagram page called him “a dedicated father, a loving grandfather, a caring father-in-law, a loyal friend, a victorious professional and a great human being.”
“A gigantic hero. A patriot that leaves us a legacy of great achievements,” the post added.
