Brazil's 1994 World Cup-Winning Coach Parreira Hospitalized for Cancer Treatment

Carlos Alberto Parreira, the legendary Brazilian football coach who led the nation to victory in the 1994 FIFA World Cup, has been hospitalized for cancer treatment at Samaritano Barra hospital in Rio de Janeiro. The 83-year-old Parreira was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2023 and is currently receiving medical care for the disease. According to the hospital's statement released on Wednesday, specific details about his health condition and the timeline of his admission have not been disclosed.

Former footballer Zinho, a member of Brazil's 1994 World Cup squad and close friend of Parreira, provided additional insight into the coach's current situation. Zinho told journalists that Parreira is experiencing serious health complications, stating that the former coach "is not in good shape" and is suffering from lung problems that have required him to be placed on a ventilator. Despite these concerning developments, Zinho noted that Parreira remains stable and expressed confidence in his medical team's capabilities. "Doctors are giving him the best care, all we can do is to pray for Parreira," Zinho said.

Parreira's career spans several decades of international football management. Beyond his 1994 World Cup triumph, he coached Brazil at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and led the team to victories in the 2004 Copa America and 2005 Confederations Cup. His record with Brazil's national men's team stands at 177 matches, comprising 124 wins, 39 draws, and 14 losses. Parreira also served as a member of Brazil's coaching staff during the 1970 World Cup victory and acted as coordinator under Luiz Felipe Scolari during the 2014 World Cup. Additionally, he managed several national teams at World Cup tournaments, including Kuwait (1982), United Arab Emirates (1990), Saudi Arabia (1998), and South Africa (2010), demonstrating his extensive influence on the global football stage.