Brazil mourns World Cup legend Nilton Santos

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Tributes flowed on Wednesday for Brazil's two-time World Cup winner Nilton Santos, who died in Rio de Janeiro aged 88.

The former Botafogo and Selecao left-back died of complications from a lung infection and had also been suffering from Alzheimer's.

"He was loved as much as [Mane] Garrincha and respected like Pele," Botafogo said on its official website.

Brazil legend Ronaldo expressed his sadness on Twitter.

"Nilton Santos is one of the most important figures in the history of Brazilian football," Ronaldo said. "He is going to be greatly missed."

Former Selecao and Flamengo great Zico also paid tribute on the social media site.

"What sad news," Zico said. "Nilton Santos will be a great loss in football and in life. Rest in peace."

Santos represented Brazil 84 times, featuring in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup-winning teams.

He was renowned for his dashing runs into attack, a trait previously uncommon among defenders.

Brazilians also referred to him as the Encyclopedia of Football due to his deep knowledge of the game.

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