Britoformer defender who played for Brazilian team nas 1966 and 1970 World Cups, he died at 86 years old. The information was confirmed on his official page on social media. The cause of death was not reported.
Born Hércules Brito Ruas, Brito, as he was known, began his career at Vasco da Gamayour favorite team. After a season on loan at Internacional, he assumed the starting position in 1960, with the responsibility of replacing Bellini, who had been two-time world champion with the Brazilian team.
At the Rio club stayed for 10 yearshaving been champion of the Rio-São Paulo Tournament in 1966. That year, he was part of the Brazilian group at the World Cup in England and was a starter in the match against Portugal, in which the team ended up eliminated in the group stage.
“With the deepest regret, we received the news of the death of Brito, one of the greatest defenders in the history of Vasco da Gama. Hércules Brito Ruas was 86 years old, was a Vasco native and was revealed in São Januário. With Cruz de Malta, he played 405 games and scored 11 goals, in two spells: 1957 and from 1959 to 1969. He won the Paris Tournament of 57 and Rio-São Paulo in 66. His performances and physical size took him to the Brazilian team, which he played for in two World Cups: 1966 and 1970, from which he won the Tri-World Cup. Thank you for everything, idol! Rest in peace,” Vasco paid tribute.
In 1969, he was traded to Flamengo. Called up for the 1970 World Cup, held in Mexico, he was starter in all games and winning the third Brazilian championshipstanding out for his excellent physical fitness.
Brito formed Brazil’s defense alongside Piazza. Together, under the command of Zagallo, they were champions with a 4-1 victory over Italy at the same Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City, where, this Thursday (11).
The defender had spells Cruzeiro, Botafogo, Athletico-PR, Corinthians and also in football in Canada and Venezuela.
