The man who will forever be remembered for finishing off what is widely considered the greatest goal in the World Cup died on Tuesday. Carlos Alberto, who suffered a heart attack, was 72.
Alberto, who won the World Cup title in 1970 with Brazil, was nicknamed "The Captain" by his teammates for his leadership abilities.
Carlos Alberto, a right-back by trade, was also the captain of that Brazil World Cup-winning team, largely considered the greatest of all-time.
His moment in the spotlight came in a 4-1 victory over Italy, when he finished off a move that involved nine Brazil players, running onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Pele, before thumping the ball into the back of the net from an angle.
Alberto had a successful career, which included 53 caps for Brazil, while he played club football for Santos, Fluminense, Flamengo, New York Cosmos and California Surf. His greatest years came with Santos, where he won two titles while playing with arguably the greatest player of all-time – Pele.
"I am saddened by the death of my friend and brother Carlos Alberto, our beloved Captain, and I remember the times that we were together at Santos, Brazil and the Cosmos, where we formed a winning partnership," Pele said.
Known for his captaincy skills, Alberto was a leader among men, with players like Pele, Jairzinho, Rivellino, Gerson and Tostao looking up to him for advice and inspiration during that 1970 Mexico World Cup run. Alberto, unfortunately, would only play in that one World Cup.
"FIFA and the world football community are deeply saddened by the death of Carlos Alberto Torres, the great captain of the 'tri' in Mexico," Fifa president Gianni Infantino said. "Capita will be missed both as an amazing player and a great leader.
"We will forever remember him lifting the Jules Rimet Cup and we send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
