The arrival of Brazil coach Dorival Júnior at SoFi Stadium for the debut of the Copa América 2024 did not go unnoticed. When he got off the bus with the rest of the squad for the match against Costa Rica, he was seen wearing the iconic white and blue jacket that Mário Zagallo wore during the 1998 World Cup.
The model, which features the legend “Brazil” in blue on the back, has just been launched this week by Nike. The manufacturer also relaunched the yellow kit used by the Seleção in that World Cup, in which they came out runner-up after losing the final to hosts France.
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“It is a tribute to the best professional we had, who represented our country like no one else. It is an honor to wear this shirt, which he wore and which he represented us at all times. I hope that wherever he is, he is looking out for all of us,” said Dorival Júnior upon arriving at the stadium located near Los Angeles, according to Brazilian media.
Dorival Jr chegou para Brasil x Costa Rica usando a clássica jaqueta de 1998 do Zagallo.
A Nike relançou o modelo juntamente com a camisa de jogo do mesmo ano.
Demais! 🥹🇧🇷
📷 Rafael Ribeiro/CBF pic.twitter.com/sMEVNvcuGY
— MKTEsportivo (@mkt_esportivo) June 25, 2024
Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo passed away on January 5, although his memory and legacy are at the heart of Brazilian football. As a player he won the 1958 and 1962 World Cups, while as a coach he won the 1970 World Cup and as an assistant coach the 1994 World Cup.
Sambafoot Series recently released a documentary about this legend known as “Velho Lobo” and extremely superstitious. All episodes are available on Sambafoot’s YouTube channel.
