Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Brito, who helped Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, dies at 86

Brito, who helped Brazil win the 1970 World Cup, dies at 86 | iNFOnews.ca
FILE - Former Brazilian soccer legends Marco Antonio, Brito, Jairzinho, Roberto Miranda, Altair, Jair Marinho, from left, from the group "Legendarios do Brasil" pose for photographers prior to a news conference in Berlin, June 8, 2006. (AP Photo/Franka Bruns, File)

MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) — Brito, a center back on Brazil’s 1970 World Cup-winning team, has died at age 86.

The Brazilian Football Confederation announced that Brito died Thursday. It did not provide additional details.

Brito played 61 games for the national team from 1964-72, including one at the 1966 World Cup, along the way forming a strong defense alongside Wilson Piazza.

“Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football,” the confederation’s president, Samir Xaud, said in a statement. “His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us.”

Brito was also part of Brazil teams that won the Copa Roca in ‘71 and the Taça Independência in ’72.

“I pay my respects to this idol of our country,” Xaud said. “May his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup.”

Brazil, which has won the most World Cups with five, goes for a sixth beginning Saturday against Morocco.

___

AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/fifa-world-cup

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles