The football world is in mourning today with the news that the captain of the great Brazil 1970 World Cup winning team has passed away.
Carlos Alberto died in Rio de Janeiro died following a heart attack at the age of 72.
The word legend is overused these days but it genuinely applies to the man who finished one of the great goals in World Cup history.
The goal was scored at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City and sealed a 4-1 win against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final.
That Brazil team is regarded as one of the greatest football teams ever and their skipper, Alberto, has gone down in history as one of the greatest defenders of all time.
Not only was he one of the best tacklers and readers of the game, he also had outstanding ball control and dribbling skills.
Alberto's playing prowess was also recognised by his inclusion in the World Team of the 20th Century, along with the likes of Franz Beckenbauer, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and fellow Brazilians Pelé and Garrincha.
He made his debut at the age of 19 for Fluminese in 1963 and went on to play for Santos, Flamengo and the New York Cosmos before going into management in 1983.
Obrigado por tudo, Carlos Alberto Torres! pic.twitter.com/hgFXynD8qV
— Santos Futebol Clube (@SantosFC) October 25, 2016
Fluminese president Peter Siemsen led the tributes.
“Very sad about the loss of our great captain Carlos Alberto Torres – one of the best in the history of world football.
"Formed in the Fluminense youth teams, the captain had tricolor blood. He took part in one of the great moments in the history of the club.”
“He played 445 matches and scored 40 goals from 1965-1975, and is considered the best right-back in the history of Praiano Alvinegro,” read a statement from Santos who announced a mourning period of three days.
Flamengo also released a statement following the sad news.
“Flamengo deeply regrets this irreparable loss and want the deepest feelings to fans, friends and family.”
Heidi and me are deeply shocked. Carlos Alberto was like a brother to me, one of my best friends! pic.twitter.com/zbYQx1pFyP
— Franz Beckenbauer (@beckenbauer) October 25, 2016
Carlos Alberto in Dublin in 2010 - ©INPHO/James Crombie
