Rio de Janeiro, Oct 26 (IANS): Brazil football stalwart and captain of the country's legendary 1970 World Cup winning side Carlos Alberto has died.

The 72-year-old died late on Monday night after suffering a fatal heart attack, according to Brazilian media reports.

He was capped 53 times by Brazil and netted one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history, finishing off a magnificent team move involving eight different players to score Brazil's fourth in a 4-1 final win over Italy in Mexico City.

The 1970 Brazil side that won the World Cup, which also contained greats Pele, Jairzinho, Tostao and Rivelino, is regarded by many as the finest in history.

Alberto was named in the world team of the 20th Century in 1998 and the Fifa 100 as the greatest living players in 2004.

Over the course of a twenty-year career he played for both Fluminense and Flamengo in Rio, the city where he was born, and in the North American Soccer League alongside Pele and Franz Beckenbauer for the New York Cosmos.

"Santos FC regrets the death of the idol Carlos Alberto Torres, who was 72 years old. He played in 445 matches and scored 40 goals between 1965 and 1975 and is considered the best right-back in the history of Praiano Alvinegro. The club has decreed official three days of mourning," Brazil club Santos said in a statement, as quoted by AS daily.

"Carlos Alberto Torres was an example of guts and leadership," Brazil President Michel Temer said on Twitter.

"I'm saddened by the loss of the captain who led Brazil to their third World Cup win," he added.

Upon retiring, Carlos Alberto moved into management and coached a number of Brazil's big sides, including Corinthians and former clubs Fluminense and Flamengo, as well as the national teams of Oman and Azerbaijan.

Known for his strong character and opinions, 'O Capita' had recently been working as a commentator for Brazilian channel SporTv, making his final appearance this Sunday.