It is reported that the former right-back died in Rio de Janeiro following a heart attack.
Alberto won over 50 caps in a 13-year international career for Brazil and helped domestic teams Flamengo and Santos to win national titles.
He captained Brazil’s World Cup-winning team in 1970, which also featured legends Pele and Jairzinho in its ranks and is widely considered to be one of the best sides to have played the game.
Known affectionately as “O Capitão do Tri”, Alberto notched eight international goals, the most memorable coming in the final of the 1970 tournament versus Italy.
Alberto rounded off a tremendous team effort by latching onto a Pele pass and firing the ball low into the net to make it 4-1 to ‘The Samba Boys’. It put the game beyond doubt and gave Brazil their third Jules Rimet trophy.
Later in his career, Alberto moved to play in the US, joining the New York Cosmos, where he again linked up with Pele and the two helped the team win NASL titles in 1977 and 1978.
He also had a spell with the California Surf, before returning to the Cosmos to help them win another title in 1982 – the year in which he retired.
After hanging up his boots, he embarked on a coaching career that saw him manage a number of Brazilian teams, including Flamengo, Corinthians and Fluminense.
He also worked as assistant manager to the Nigerian and Omani national teams, and was the manager of Azerbaijan in 2004-2005.
A Santos statement read: “He played 445 matches and scored 40 goals from 1965-1975, and is considered the best right-back in the history of Praiano Alvinegro.” The club also announced a mourning period of three days.
The Cosmos tweeted: “We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Carlos Alberto, a legendary player and wonderful person. He’ll always remain part of the Cosmos family.”
Peter Siemsen, the President of Fluminense said: “Very sad about the loss of our great captain Carlos Alberto Torres – one of the best in the history of world football. Formed in the Fluminense youth teams, the captain had tricolor blood. He took part in one of the great moments in the history of the club.”
Flamengo said in a statement: “Flamengo deeply regrets this irreparable loss and want the deepest feelings to fans, friends and family.”
Santos added: “Thanks for everything.”
