Former Bafana Bafana coach fighting for his life in ICU
· The South African
Former Brazil and South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has been admitted to intensive care and placed on a ventilator after developing a lung infection, according to the hospital treating him in Rio de Janeiro.
The 83-year-old football legend was admitted to hospital on Wednesday and remains in a stable condition despite requiring intensive medical care.
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Receiving respiratory support
In a statement released on Thursday, the hospital confirmed that Parreira had been admitted to the intensive care unit due to a lung infection and is currently receiving respiratory support.
Parreira has been battling Hodgkin lymphoma since 2023.
Widely regarded as one of football’s most accomplished international coaches, Parreira holds the unique distinction of being the only coach to have led six different national teams at FIFA World Cup tournaments.
His greatest achievement came in 1994 when he guided Brazil national football team to World Cup glory in the United States, securing the country’s fourth world title.
Beyond his two spells with Brazil, Parreira coached Kuwait at the 1982 World Cup, United Arab Emirates in 1990, Saudi Arabia in 1998 and South Africa at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Respected figure
Parreira remains a respected figure in South African football after guiding Bafana Bafana during the country’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup, becoming a familiar and admired presence among local supporters.
His illness has prompted concern across the football world, with many fans remembering his contribution to the global game and his role in shaping several national teams over a coaching career spanning decades.
As tributes and messages of support continue to emerge, the football community will be hoping for positive news regarding the health of one of the sport’s most distinguished and influential coaches.