Hércules Brito Ruas, Brito, as he was known, died this Thursday (11), in Rio, at the age of 86. Brito was a defender for the Brazilian team in the 1966 and 1970 World Cups.  The information was confirmed on the three-time world champion's official page on social media. He had been hospitalized for just over a week, with pneumonia. Related news: Football: exhibition tells the story of the Canarinho shirt. Interactive exhibition shows Brazil's participation in World Cups. The athlete began his career at Vasco da Gama, his 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. Called up for the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, he started all the games to win Brazil's third championship. He formed the defense of the eternal Tri team alongside midfielder Piazza. Together, they were champions with a 4-1 victory over Italy at the Azteca Stadium, in Mexico City. The historic formation that the defender was part of was made up of: Félix; Carlos Alberto, Brito, Everaldo and Piazza; Clodoaldo, Rivellino and Gerson; Jairzinho, Pelé and Tostão. Tribute Vasco das Gama paid tribute to the athlete who defended the club for several years on its social media page.          See this photo on Instagram                       A post shared by Vasco (@vascodagama) "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 native Vasco and was revealed in São Januário.  According to the club, Brito played 405 games and scored 11 goals, in two spells: 1957 and from 1959 to 1969. He won the Paris Tournament in '57 and Rio São Paulo in '66.  “His performances and his physical size took him to the Brazilian team, which he defended in two World Cups: 1966 and 1970, from where he won the Tri-World Cup", highlighted the Cruzmaltino's post.