Bellini, Brazil's 1st World Cup winning captain dies at the age of 83

Bellini, Brazil’s 1st World Cup winning captain passes away

Bellini, Brazil’s first ever World Cup winning captain (1958), died yesterday due to complications following a heart attack. He was 83 years old.

The Hospital 9 de Julho confirmed Bellini’s death in a statement.

Fox News reported that he suffered a heart attack on Tuesday, 18th March and had been hospitalized since then. Local media said he was also suffering from Alzheimer’s.

The Brazilian became widely popular for being the first captain to raise the World Cup trophy above his head as a symbol of triumph. To immortalize the gesture, a statue of Bellini was built in front of Maracana Stadium.

Bellini also won the 1962 World Cup and appeared in the 1966 tournament. He played for Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama, Sao Paulo and Atletico Paranaense.

Fifa.com confirmed the news through their official twitter page.

Brazil’s (@CBF_Futebol) 1958 #WorldCup-winning captain Bellini has died at the age of 83 – http://t.co/nHwbXXOMnF pic.twitter.com/hnCMWg3Ghy

— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 20, 2014