Football
PA Sport 7y

Hundreds gather for burial of Brazil legend Carlos Alberto in Rio de Janeiro

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday as former Brazil captain Carlos Alberto was laid to rest.

Carlos Alberto, who died at age 72 of a heart attack in Rio on Tuesday, was laid to rest at the Iraja cemetery with a Brazilian flag covering the coffin.

Among the mourners were former Brazil international Cafu, capped a record 142 times and twice a World Cup winner, alongside Carlos Alberto's son Alexander, who made a single appearance for the Selecao in 1992.

Right-back Carlos Alberto scored one of the most iconic goals in the history of the World Cup, when he sealed the 4-1 win over Italy in the 1970 final in Mexico City.

Carlos Alberto completed a brilliant team move with a powerful angled drive, after darting onto Pele's sideways pass, that has been repeated on TV screens ever since.

Before going on to lift the Jules Rimet Trophy for a then-record third time at the the Estadio Azteca, Brazil had faced holders England during the group stages in Guadalajara.

"We are all so sorry to see him pass away. Not only was he an outstanding footballer, but he was also a great character as well and he will be sadly missed," former England international Franny Lee, who played against the defender in Mexico, said.

Pele and former West Germany captain Franz Beckenbauer -- who Carlos Alberto played alongside in a star-studded New York Cosmos team late in their careers -- led the tributes to their "brother" after his death was confirmed by Brazilian football's governing body (CBF) on Tuesday.

"I have so many good memories of our time together as teammates and champions at Santos FC, the Brazil national team and New York Cosmos,'' a post on Pele's social media read.

"We had a winning partnership, and even after football we remained very close. I send my sincere condolences to his family and may his soul Rest in Peace. Dear God, please take care of our 'Capitao.'"

Former Argentina captain Diego Maradona, who led his country to victory when the World Cup returned to Mexico in 1986, paid tribute to the "captain of the unforgettable Brazil 1970."

"I had the good fortune to face him on several occasions,'' Maradona said. "He was a great person and a great player."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes Carlos Alberto's iconic place in football folklore will never been forgotten.

"FIFA and the world football community are deeply saddened by the death of Carlos Alberto Torres, the great captain of the tri in Mexico,'' Infantino said.

"'Capita' will be missed both as an amazing player and a great leader. We will forever remember him lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.''

The CBF announced a three-day mourning period, and flags will be flown at half-mast at its headquarters, while a minute's silence is set to be observed ahead of fixtures.

Carlos Alberto won a total of 53 caps for Brazil, retiring from international football in 1978 following a battle against persistent knee problems.

A later spell in management saw him take over as national boss of Azerbaijan in 2004, and during his time there was in charge for a 2-0 defeat against Sven-Goran Eriksson's England at St James' Park in March 2005.

The World Cup-winning skipper remained a popular figure in Brazil, recently working as a commentator for broadcaster TV Globo on the SporTV cable channel, including just days before his death.

Local media reported that Carlos Alberto had fallen ill at his home in the Barra da Tijuca district of Rio before being taken to the Hospital Rio Mar, where it is said he suffered a cardiac arrest.

^ Back to Top ^