Former Brazilian international footballer Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini died on Thursday aged 83, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has said.
Bellini had suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and died in the Hospital 9 de Julho from complications following a heart attack on Tuesday.
Bellini captained the national team during Brazil’s first World Cup win in 1958, in Sweden, and famously became the first captain to hold the trophy above his head in celebration.
There is a statue in his honour in the pose outside the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro.
In 1962 Bellini was part of the team which successfully defended the trophy in Chile and he also played at the 1966 World Cup in England.
“Brazilian football and its fans are mourning the death of a man who was a great captain,” said CBF president Jose Maria Marin on the association website.
“I had the opportunity to meet him during his time at Sao Paulo where he proved, as well as being an excellent defender, he was a gentleman and an exemplary professional.” Bellini played for Vasco da Gama, Sao Paulo and Atletico Paranaense during his career in addition to making 51 appearances for Brazil.
