Brazil Football Honors Legends Pele and Zagallo Ahead of World Cup 2026

As Brazil gears up for their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Morocco, the football community pays tribute to legends Pele and Mario Zagallo. This tournament marks the first World Cup since their passing, and the team encourages fans to believe in achieving a record sixth star on their jerseys. The heartfelt message highlights the legacy of these icons, who played pivotal roles in Brazil's football history. Discover how the team honors their memory and aims for glory in this significant tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 14, 2026, 01:52 IST

Tribute to Football Icons

New Jersey, USA - On June 14, Brazil's football community paid homage to two of its most revered figures, Pele and Mario Zagallo, as they prepared for their FIFA World Cup 2026 match against Morocco on Saturday.

The official Brazil football social media account highlighted that this World Cup is particularly significant as it is the first since the passing of Pele in December 2022 and Zagallo in January 2024. The post inspired fans and players alike to 'believe' and strive for a record sixth star on their jerseys, honoring the legends who donned Brazil's iconic yellow kit during their peak.

The post read, 'Today marks the beginning of another World Cup. The first without Pele. The first without Zagallo. Yet, every time the yellow-and-green team steps onto the pitch, they carry their spirit with them. And remember, today is the 13th. So, let's believe. Let's pursue the sixth star. For Brazil. For them.'

Hoje começa mais uma Copa do Mundo.

A primeira sem Pelé. A primeira sem Zagallo.

Mas toda vez que a amarelinha entrar em campo, eles entram junto.

E olha só: hoje é dia 13.

Então já sabe. Bora acreditar.

Bora atrás da sexta estrela.

Pelo Brasil. Por eles. pic.twitter.com/CfAEa39CyS

— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 13, 2026

Pele, who passed away at 82 after battling cancer, is celebrated for winning the FIFA World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 1962, and 1970, making him the player with the most World Cup victories. He scored twice in the 1958 final against Sweden, leading Brazil to a 5-2 victory and netting six goals throughout the tournament, second only to France's Just Fontaine.

In the subsequent World Cup, Pele scored once, contributing to Brazil's back-to-back titles with a 3-1 win over Czechoslovakia. In the 1970 final, he opened the scoring in Brazil's 4-1 triumph over Italy, finishing the tournament with four goals.

Zagallo, who died at 92, was a key figure in Brazil's football history, winning the World Cup as a player in 1958 and 1962, as a manager in 1970, and as a coordinator in 1994. He scored his only goal in the 1958 final and netted once more in the 1962 tournament. Zagallo was the last surviving member of the 1958 final team before his passing.