MORRISTOWN, N.J. (AP) 鈥� Brito, a center back on Brazil鈥檚 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.
鈥淏rito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football,鈥� the confederation’s president, Samir Xaud, said in a statement. 鈥淗is contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will be eternally remembered by all of us.鈥�
Brito was also part of Brazil teams that won the Copa Roca in 鈥�71 and the Ta莽a Independ锚ncia in 鈥�72.
鈥淚 pay my respects to this idol of our country,鈥� Xaud said. 鈥淢ay his fighting spirit be an inspiration to our players who will compete in the World Cup.鈥�
Brazil, which has won the most World Cups with five, goes for a sixth beginning Saturday against Morocco.
___
AP World Cup coverage:
Copyright © 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.
