Mario Zagallo, the iconic Brazilian football figure who holds the distinction of being the first individual to triumph in the World Cup as both a player and a coach, has been admitted to the hospital due to a urinary infection. Medical professionals confirmed this development on Wednesday, occurring just a week after he celebrated his 92nd birthday.
The Barra D’Or hospital in Rio de Janeiro said Zagallo had been admitted on Tuesday, adding he was “clinically stable, lucid and breathing unassisted.”
It stated that no date had been established for his release. The information comes little over a year after Zagallo underwent nearly two weeks of semi-intensive care for a respiratory infection in the same hospital.
Zagallo, who played alongside Pele on Brazil's World Cup-winning squads in 1958 and 1962, stood known for his exceptional blend of offensive flair and defensive sturdiness.
He went on to coach the Brazil team that won the 1970 World Cup, often regarded as the greatest team in history.
Only Franz Beckenbauer of Germany (1974 and 1990) and Didier Deschamps of France (1998 and 2018) have won the World Cup in both their roles as player and coach.
Celebrating his 92nd birthday last week, Zagallo posted a picture of himself on Instagram, smiling and surrounded by family.
“Spending my birthday in the best possible way, with my family. Thank you for all the affection,” he wrote.
