Zagallo and Beckenbauer, FIFA World Cup triumphs and shared fate
Mario Zagallo and Franz Beckenbauer have the record of winning FIFA world cup in the capacity as player and coach. So far, only three men have achieved it.
Zagallo, first to win world cup both as player and coach, played as a left winger in his playing days. He has won 1958, 1962 world cup's as player, 1970 world cup as coach, 1994 world cup as assistant coach. Brazil team of 1970 is widely considered as the best football team. Considered as an unlucky number, he has fondness for number 13 because it carries last two digits of his birth year 1931.
Beckenbauer, nicknamed Der Kaiser defined German football, playing as Libero, dictating pace of game behind defensive lines. He truimphed European championship in 1972, world cup in 1974 and UEFA champions league three times between 1974 to 1976. He steered West Germany to 1990 world cup win as a coach. He also did well in administrative role acting in the role of president for Bayern Munchen and vice president of German football federation.
Over a two day period, both these legends passed away. Zagallo took his last breath on 5th January, 2024 and Beckenbauer took his last breath on 7th January, 2024. RIP legends!.