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Football Legend Mario Zagallo Passes Away At 92

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Brazilian football mourns the loss of Mario Zagallo, a true icon in the sport and the first individual to achieve the remarkable feat of winning the FIFA World Cup both as a player and a coach.

Zagallo, aged 92, breathed his last on Friday.

He played a pivotal role in Brazil’s ascent to global football supremacy, standing as the sole survivor from the victorious 1958 World Cup team. This triumph, which marked Brazil’s first title, served as redemption for the nation after a heart-wrenching defeat to Uruguay eight years earlier.

Recalling the somber atmosphere of that defeat, Zagallo expressed, “I’ll never forget the silence, the sadness and the disappointment of that defeat.”

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Despite the pain, Zagallo contributed  significantly to Brazil’s football legacy, leaving his mark on four of the country’s five World Cup victories. His partnership with legendary teammate Pele, who passed away in December 2022, remains etched in football history.

Starting as an amateur in the 1950s, Zagallo, a diminutive left winger, epitomized Brazil’s commitment to blending attacking flair with defensive prowess. His journey included five Rio de Janeiro state championships with Flamengo and Botafogo, and he earned 37 caps for Brazil.

Zagallo’s impact extended beyond his playing days, transitioning seamlessly into coaching. He led Brazil to their third World Cup triumph in 1970, inheriting a talented squad that included Pele, Carlos Alberto, Jairzinho, and Rivelino.

His coaching prowess reached international heights as he guided Kuwait to Gulf Cup success in 1976 and reached the Asian Cup final the same year. Zagallo’s tireless pursuit of glory continued, contributing to Brazil’s 1994 World Cup victory as technical director alongside Carlos Alberto Perreira.

The football maestro faced heartbreak in 1998, narrowly missing a fifth World Cup triumph when Brazil, led by the pre-eminent Ronaldo, suffered a 3-0 defeat to hosts France.

Zagallo’s enduring legacy earned him the role of caretaker for Luiz Felipe Scolari after Brazil’s fifth World Cup victory in 2002.

“He was one of the greatest Brazilian players of his generation and, after winning the World Cup four times, he has left a permanent mark on Brazilian football,” remarked Ronaldo, affectionately nicknaming Zagallo “The Professor.”

Zagallo’s wife of 57 years, Alcina de Castro, preceded him in death in 2012, marking the end of an era for a man who devoted his life to the beautiful game.

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Chelsea Handed Injury Boost As Omari Kellyman Nears Return

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Chelsea are set to receive a welcome boost with Omari Kellyman nearing a return to action after a frustrating start to his Stamford Bridge career.

The 19-year-old midfielder, who joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £19 million summer transfer, has been sidelined with a serious hamstring injury since September.

Kellyman initially made an impression with Chelsea’s Under-21s, scoring twice in three appearances, including during a 4-2 defeat to Leipzig in the Premier League International Cup. However, his progress was halted by the injury, which has kept him out of action for months.

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According to reports from the Daily Mail, Kellyman is now on track to return within the next four weeks, offering Chelsea a much-needed boost as the team looks to navigate a congested festive fixture schedule. The teenager is expected to be fit before Christmas and could soon make his senior debut for the club.

Reflecting on his move to Chelsea earlier this year, Kellyman expressed his excitement about joining the West London outfit. “It is fantastic to be standing here as a Chelsea player. It’s a massive club with an amazing history, so it is great to join. It is a dream come true for sure. I’m buzzing to have put on the shirt and can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Kellyman’s footballing journey began at Derby County, where he progressed through the youth ranks and was promoted to the first-team squad by Wayne Rooney at just 16 years old.

After leaving Derby for Aston Villa in 2022, he signed his first professional contract and made his Premier League debut last season against Manchester City.

Despite his brief stint at Villa, which included a Europa Conference League appearance, Kellyman made the high-profile move to Chelsea in June, signing a six-year contract.

Now, as he edges closer to full fitness, both the player and the club will hope his long-awaited debut signals the start of a successful tenure at Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea Holds Scouting Summit With Enzo Maresca

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Earlier this month, Chelsea Football Club convened a comprehensive meeting of their first-team recruitment team, aimed at aligning their efforts with the club’s overarching vision.

This scouting summit brought together approximately 30 of the club’s key talent identifiers, with the objective of reinvigorating the search for future stars in world football.

Adding an extra layer of inspiration to the gathering, Leicester City manager and former Manchester City assistant, Enzo Maresca, made a guest appearance. Maresca, who briefly worked alongside some of Chelsea’s current personnel during his time under Pep Guardiola, took time to pose for a group photograph with the team. Those present reportedly left the summit feeling “enthused, energised, and as motivated as ever” to uncover the next generation of footballing gems.

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The Italian tactician has maintained an interest in Chelsea’s squad and their emerging talents. A source close to Maresca suggested that he harbours a keen desire to see Cole Palmer, one of Chelsea’s brightest young signings, team up with Joao Felix, the Portuguese forward who enjoyed a brief but impactful loan spell at Stamford Bridge last season.

While Palmer continues to thrive at Chelsea following his summer move from Manchester City, Felix’s future remains uncertain, with speculation persisting about whether the Blues could revisit a permanent deal for the Atlético Madrid star.

Chelsea’s recruitment team will undoubtedly keep such possibilities in mind as they look to execute their shared vision, leveraging the energy from this summit to identify players capable of complementing the club’s long-term strategy. With Maresca’s words and presence leaving a lasting impression, the search for the world’s finest footballing gems continues in earnest.

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Lukeba’s €90m Clause Attracts Real Madrid, PL Clubs

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RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba has become a hot topic in the transfer market following details about his new contract.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Lukeba’s release clause will come into effect in the summer of 2025, starting at around €90 million and varying from season to season.

This development has drawn the attention of football giants, with Real Madrid reportedly keeping a close watch on the French centre-back’s progress. Premier League clubs are also monitoring Lukeba as a potential defensive reinforcement for 2025.

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The 20-year-old, who joined Leipzig from Olympique Lyonnais in 2023, has already made an impression in the Bundesliga with his composed defensive skills and tactical versatility. His rising profile has placed him among Europe’s most promising young defenders, making him a coveted target for top clubs.

Leipzig’s decision to include a fluctuating release clause highlights their commitment to protecting Lukeba’s value while leaving the door open for a future big-money move.

With Real Madrid and several Premier League sides in the mix, the 2025 summer transfer window is already shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Lukeba’s career. Fans and scouts alike will be closely watching his development as he continues to shine in Leipzig’s backline.

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