Brito, Brazil’s 1970 World Cup defender, dies aged 86

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·12. Juni 2026

Brito, Brazil’s 1970 World Cup defender, dies aged 86

Brito, a starting defender in Brazil’s 1970 World Cup triumph, died on Thursday night aged 86. His death was announced on an Instagram account run by his family.

He had been in hospital since 14 May with pneumonia at a hospital in Ilha do Governador, a neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro’s North Zone.

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Brito started every match of that title-winning campaign and was renowned for his strength and stamina. He was considered to have the best physical preparation at the 1970 tournament.

In total, he made 61 appearances for Brazil.

He began at Vasco, the club he loved, spending more than 10 years there and playing over 400 matches.

He joined Flamengo in 1969, the club he represented during the 1970 World Cup.

In the same year as Brazil’s third world title, he moved to Cruzeiro, then later played for Inter, Corinthians, Athletico-PR, Democrata-GV and River-PI.

Source: Globo.com