BRAZILIAN football is in mourning following the passing of Roberto Dinamite.
The former striker died on Sunday aged 68 after a battle with colon cancer.
Dinamite played 38 times for Brazil, scoring 20 goals, and represented his country at the 1978 and 1982 World Cups.
He had a brief spell with Barcelona but spent most of his club career at Rio de Janeiro based side Vasco da Gama.
Dinamite’s 190 goals in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A is the most in Brazilian top-flight history.
His passing comes just days after the death of Brazilian icon Pele.
The Brazilian FA (CBF) paid tribute to Dinamite, writing in a statement: “With regret, the CBF mourns the death of Roberto Dinamite, one of the greatest athletes in Brazilian football.
“For the Brazilian national team, the former player scored 25 goals and was top scorer in Brazil’s [second-place campaign at] the 1983 Copa America.
“He also played in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups. You will always be part of our football history.
“Thanks for everything, Roberto. Rest in peace.”
Brazil star Neymar paid tribute on Instagram, posting a picture of himself and Dinamite together and writing: “Rest in peace legend.”
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “Roberto Dinamite was one of the greatest players in the history of our football.
“In addition to joining Vasco’s beautiful history, he enchanted football fans all over the world. The CBF sympathises with the goalscorer’s family and fans.”
After retiring from playing, Dinamite served as president of Vasco da Gama from 2008 to 2014.
He also went into politics after hanging up his boots.
Next
