Mario Zagallo + football = tears. The sport had him blubbering for the first time in 1950. The Alagoano was an 18-year-old soldier working security at the Maracana, and was devastated when Uruguay stunned Brazil in the FIFA World Cup™ decider. Eight years later the tears were of a different kind when, despite having never played international football one month before Sweden 1958 kicked off, the winger performed a fundamental, script-smashing function as the Seleção won their first global crown. Zagallo was bawling again as Brazil retained their title at Chile 1962, as he masterminded the cannonisation of ‘The Beautiful Team’ at Mexico 1970 and, as he helped Carlos Alberto Parreira win the country’s first World Cup in 24 years in Los Angeles. And FIFA had Zagallo in tears again on his 90th birthday!

To commemorate the anniversary, we filmed a four-part docuseries about the man who has enjoyed deeper involvement with the Brazilian national team than anyone else. It features never-seen-before footage and images, and tributes from Brazilian legends Pele, Pepe, Carlos Alberto Parreira, Jairzinho, Rivellino, Ricardo Rocha, Dunga, Bebeto, Cafu and Ronaldo, esteemed journalists Galvao Bueno, Paulo Vinicius Coelho and Tino Marcos, and a coach Zagallo had a huge influence on: Jose Mourinho. Part 1 recalls how Zagallo watched the 1950 World Cup Final and played in it, in 1958 and 1962. “My passion for the national team started when they didn’t have players or a coach,” said Zagallo. “Yellow would never leave my head.” Zagallo rapidly went from Seleção supporter to player on the cusp of Sweden 1958. He skyrocketed from having yet to win a Brazil cap to leapfrogging magnificent wingers Pepe and Canhoteiro and getting coach Vicente Feola to change his system because of his multi-functionality. “Zagallo was the reason for the transition from a 4-2-4 to a 4-3-3,” said PVC, with Pele adding: “I have to thank Zagallo because many times I had to drop back, become the third man [in midfield], but he was already there.”

Part 2 spotlights what Bueno labels “incomparably the best team in history”. “They were playing a 4-2-4,” explained Zagallo, who was appointed just 75 days before Mexico 1970 kicked off. “If they’d gone to the World Cup under that system, they’d have got nowhere.” “When does any national team, from Brazil or anywhere in the world, put five No10s in the team?” asked Bueno. Jairzinho raved: “Zagallo’s team was the best national team I’ve ever seen.” An exhilarating Brazil side capstoned their campaign with arguably the greatest goal in World Cup history: a glorious team move that ended with Carlos Alberto slamming the ball home to complete a 4-1 win over Italy in the Final. “We knew that Facchetti marked man-to-man,” said Parreira. “Zagallo said, ‘Jairzinho, when you can, open the space for Carlos Alberto’.” PVC added: “It was Total Football, four years before Holland.” “I totally changed the Seleção,” said Zagallo. “That team will never be forgotten.”

Part 3 looks at USA 1994, where Zagallo was Brazil’s assistant coach. “His presence, he inspired confidence, the symbol of a winner,” said Parreira. “We felt the pressure – Brazil had gone 24 years without winning the world title – but the confidence he gave us was enormous,” commented Bebeto as iconic footage passed of Zagallo bellowing: “Brazil will win the fourth title – whether you want it or not!” “He motivated us, smiling, making fun of us, joking,” said Cafu. The episode ends with Zagallo being thrilled to receive a visit from Dunga. “You taught us to love yellow, the Brazil colours,” said the World Cup-winning captain. “You were always defending Brazil – on and off the pitch. You’re an example for all of us.” “I’m getting emotional,” responded Zagallo, tears in his eyes.

Part 4 looks at Zagallo’s huge influence in the penalty-shoot-out win over the Netherlands at France 1998: “I grabbed Taffarel and told him, ‘You’re going to win it for us’.” “The walk from the midfield, with the ball in your hand, to the penalty spot is torturous,” said Ronaldo. “But all I could think of was his energy. I had a lot of important coaches but, without doubt, the greatest of all was Zagallo.” The episode ends with tributes. “Thank you for existing,” said Rivellino. Pele went on: “I want to thank you for everything, because a lot of what happened in my life and with the Seleção is indebted to you.”

To a man Mourinho hailed as “one of the greatest names in football history”, thank you for everything. A very happy 90th birthday, Mario Zagallo.