Overview
- The family and the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Thursday that Hércules Brito Ruas, known as Brito, has died at age 86.
- Brito was a starting centre back for Brazil’s 1970 World Cup side, playing in all six matches and earning 61 caps for the national team.
- CBF president Samir Xaud called Brito one of the country’s greatest defenders and said his fighting spirit should inspire the current squad.
- Across a long club career Brito played for seven Brazilian teams, including Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Internacional, Cruzeiro, Botafogo and Corinthians.
- The announcement has become a national moment of mourning that is expected to shape pre-match tributes and public attention as Brazil prepares to face Morocco in its 2026 World Cup opener.