Carlos Alberto’s death has reminded the soccer world of all that is beautiful.
The former Brazil captain died Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro after suffering a heart attack, according to The BBC. He was 72 years old.
Alberto will live forever in soccer lore largely due to his exploits at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. Brazil was beating Italy 3-1 with four minutes remaining in the final when Alberto, a right fullback, finished a sweeping move with aplomb.
Alberto’s goal is widely hailed as the best in Brazil’s World Cup history, and many argue it’s the greatest goal scored in any World Cup. It also stands as the iconic image of Brazil’s 1970 team, which many remember as the best World Cup squad of all time.
That team included Pele, Jairzinho and Robert Rivelino, but Alberto led them all as captain.
Alberto spent most of his club career playing for Brazil’s Fluminense, Santos and Flamengo. He played his last six seasons in the United States, gracing the NASL with the New York Cosmos and California Surf.
Thumbnail photo via YouTube/WELLINGTON 51
