Brazil Coach Takes the Field in Replica ’98 National Team Kit, Honoring Legendary Zagallo

On June 25, Brazil faced Costa Rica in their opening Copa América group match. Ahead of the game, Brazilian head coach Dourival appeared wearing a replica tracksuit from the 1998 kit issued to the Brazilian coaching staff, paying tribute to the late footballing great and coach Zagallo.

Zagallo, both as a player and a coach, won the World Cup four times – a record yet to be surpassed. In the 1997 Copa América, he famously told his critics, “You’ll eat your words sooner or later.” Six months after Zagallo’s passing, Dourival, leading the team in the U.S. Copa América, paid homage to the legendary manager with this gesture.

Arriving at SoFi Stadium, Dourival was seen wearing a reproduction of the tracksuit worn by the Brazilian coaching staff during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. Explaining his choice, Dourival said, “Honoring one of the greatest professionals who represented our country. Wearing this shirt representing Brazil is an honor. We hope he can see us wherever he is, and we want to repay the fans’ trust with a victory.”

This was Dourival’s first outing as the head coach of the Brazilian national team, having previously managed clubs like São Paulo, Flamengo, and Santos. He expressed his ambition for the tournament: “It’s an honor to wear the national team shirt and try to bring exciting football and joy to our people, on behalf of my colleagues. We aim to have a great match; we’re well-prepared for this moment. The first game has its importance, and some details might cause hurdles, but I see a determined and focused team, and we will shine in this competition.”

However, Brazil didn’t live up to Dourival’s expectations in their opening group match, drawing 0-0 with Costa Rica and missing out on a winning start.