RIO DE JANEIRO • Pele and Franz Beckenbauer led the tributes to their "brother" Carlos Alberto, the captain of Brazil's 1970 World Cup-winning side, who died aged 72 from a heart attack on Tuesday.
Alberto scored one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history, sealing the 4-1 win against Italy in the 1970 final in Mexico City.
It was the defender who completed a brilliant team move with a powerful angled drive from the right side of the penalty area before lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy.
"Nobody talks about Pele's goal, the first goal, the second goal," Alberto told the BBC years later.
"It is always about the fourth goal. I think it was the best goal ever scored in a World Cup."
Pele played alongside Alberto for Brazil, Santos and also later for the New York Cosmos, which also included Beckenbauer, skipper of the West Germany side which won the 1974 World Cup.
In a Twitter post, Pele, 76, wrote: "I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and brother @capita70. Dear God, please take care of our 'Capitao' (captain in Portuguese). Rest In Peace".
A picture of them embracing during their time at the Cosmos was attached to the post.
Beckenbauer also paid tribute to Alberto in a Twitter post, which included a photo of the pair together from a charity trip to Brazil in 2013.
"Carlos Alberto was like a brother to me, one of my best friends," the 71-year-old wrote.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced there would be official mourning for three days.
"It is with huge regret from the CBF that the world of football has been surprised by the death of Carlos Alberto Torres on Tuesday," a CBF statement read.
"Carlos Alberto Torres leaves a huge legacy of achievements and significant collaboration for the development of our football... Your story will forever be with us."
Alberto won 53 caps for Brazil. The right-back starred alongside Pele, Tostao, Jairzinho and Rivelino, before retiring from international football in 1978 following a battle against persistent knee problems.
He also helped Fluminense to secure domestic trophies before enjoying a spell with the Cosmos in the North American Soccer League.
He moved into management at his former club Flamengo, where they won the Brazilian title in 1983, and also spent time in charge at Corinthians and Fluminense.
He also held coaching roles with Nigeria and Oman before being appointed to take over as national boss of Azerbaijan in 2004.
He remained a popular figure in Brazil, recently working as a commentator for TV Globo on the SporTV cable channel, including just days before his death.
Local media reported that Alberto fell ill at his home in the Barra da Tijuca district of Rio before being taken to the Hospital Rio Mar, where he suffered a heart attack.
THE GUARDIAN REUTERS
