Friends and family have been paying their final respects to Brazilian football hero Carlos Alberto, as tributes from
around the globe continue to pour in for the captain of the legendary 1970 World Cup winning side.
The defender’s death aged 72 following a heart attack has hit the football-mad nation hard. Those who followed in his illustrious footsteps vow he will never be forgotten.
“I think his leadership should be remembered by each one of us,” said former footballer Zé Ricardo, among those honouring Alberto at the Brazilian Football Confederation’s Rio de Janeiro headquarters.
“He will go down in history as one of the best players in world football.”
“Carlos Alberto was a father figure, a towering figure as captain of the team. He had a spectacular career in football and simplicity in passing on his teachings to athletes,” added fellow ex-football star Goncalves.
Praise from Alberto’s contemporaries include Pelé‘s tribute on Twitter.
I am deeply saddened by the death of my friend and brother capita70. Dear God, please take care of our "Capitão". Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/QucowrHHr6— Pelé (Pele) 25 octobre 2016
Carlos Alberto, who went from player to coach then commentator, is widely credited with scoring one of the greatest goals in World Cup history – Brazil’s fourth in its 4-1 victory in the 1970 final against Italy, with four minutes left on the clock.
Football’s governing body FIFA called Carlos Alberto a “born leader” and the Brazilian Football Confederation has declared a minute’s silence before this weekend’s fixtures.
A sad day for and for ⚽️ , as we mourn the passing of 1970 #WorldCup winning captain Carlos Alberto https://t.co/uips0tXD1I pic.twitter.com/7tic9K4KqK— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) 25 octobre 2016
