Hilderaldo Luiz Bellini, the first Brazilian to lift the football World Cup as captain of the triumphant 1958 side, has died in Sao Paulo, aged 83.
He had been suffering from Alzheimer's for many years.
Bellini led a side including players such as Garrincha, Mario Zagallo and a 17-year old Pele.
The Brazilians beat hosts Sweden 5-2 in the final to win the first of a record five World Cup titles.
Bellini was part of the squad that lifted the trophy in Chile four years later although he never played in that tournament.
He got the last of his 51 caps at the 1966 World Cup in England.
A statue built outside Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium, which will host the World Cup final on July 13, shows him holding aloft the trophy with his right hand.
