Brazilian football legend Carlos Alberto dies aged 72

Brazilian football legend Carlos Alberto, who captained Brazil to World Cup glory in 1970, in which he scored one of the most famous goals in the tournament's history, has died aged 72.

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.

The iconic strike has become one of the most recognisable in world football and is synonymous with the Brazil legend. 

Following the announcement of Alberto’s death, tributes have poured in from the world of football.

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.