Title won in 1970
Brazil’s World Cup-winning defender Brito is dead
June 12, 2026 – 4:08 a.mReading time: 1 min.
He was world champion in 1970, defensive idol, national hero. The 86-year-old died shortly before the start of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Brazilian national soccer player Brito is dead. This was announced by the Brazilian association and the family of the 1970 world champion. Accordingly, the former defender died on Thursday at the age of 86.
“Brito left us as one of the greatest defenders in the history of Brazilian football. His contribution to the 1970 World Cup victory will not be forgotten by all of us,” said Brazilian FA President Samir Xaud. “I pay my respects to this idol of our country. May his fighting spirit serve as an inspiration to our players participating in the World Cup.”
Brito was part of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in Mexico in 1970, shaping a team that is still legendary today. The record world champion has been waiting for another triumph at a world championship for 24 years.
The Seleção starts this year’s World Cup on Sunday (00:00 a.m./CEST) in East Rutherford near New York. At the start, Brazil meets African champions Morocco – a game that is considered to be particularly tricky, in which the association is now also counting on the inspiring effect of Brito’s legacy.