World Cup icon dies as tributes paid to Brazil ace who starred with Pele in 1970
A World Cup icon who played every single minute of the 1970 World Cup alongside Pele has tragically died after a battle with pneumonia
Brito (right) has died aged 86(Image: Mirror Syndication International)
A World Cup icon who starred alongside Pele at the 1970 World Cup has tragically died.
Brito, 86, was part of the Selecao’s success in Mexico – playing every minute of the festival of football as Brazil lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time. However, he has sadly died as the 2026 tournament got underway in the same stadium of his crowning moment.
The icon’s death was made public by a statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation and in an Instagram post by his family: “Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football.
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“His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us…May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup.”
Brito earned 61 caps for the Brazilian national team – where he formed a formidable partnership with Piazza between 1964 and 1972.
He played almost his entire club career in his home nation, starring for Vasco de Gama, Flamengo, Internacional, Botafogo, and Corinthians before a short spell in Canada with the Montreal Castors.
Brazil had a golden period across Brito’s career – winning the World Cup in 1958, 1962 and 1970, with only England stopping their streak in 1966.
As a result of three wins, the Selecao were allowed to keep the Jules Rimet trophy, with FIFA replacing it with the current model. Brito, however, was only part of the 1970 squad, that conquered the world in the Estadio Azteca.
The Azteca was back on hosting duties on Thursday evening, as Mexico opened the 2026 edition of the tournament with 2-0 win over South Africa in a clash that featured three red cards.
