File photo of Carlos Alberto Torres holding the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil trophy during its unveiling ceremony at a Soccerex event at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Nov 21, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

RIO DE JANEIRO - Tributes have poured in for Brazil World Cup-winning captain Carlos Alberto Torres, who died on Tuesday aged 72.

The former full-back suffered a heart-attack in Rio de Janeiro, according to his former club Santos.

Considered one of Brazil's greatest ever defenders, Carlos Alberto was capped 53 times for Brazil. The high point of his international career came at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, where he led the team to a 4-1 victory over Italy in the final.

His 20-year club career included spells at Fluminense, Santos, Flamengo and the New York Cosmos.

Among those to lead the tributes was Brazil legend Pele, who was Carlos Alberto's teammate at club and international level.

"I'm saddened by the death of my friend and brother, our dear captain," Pele was quoted as saying by ESPN Brasil.

"We were champions together at Santos, the Brazil national team and Cosmos. We have to try to understand this and carry on. I send condolences to his family."