Former Brazil World Cup star and uncle of Premier League icon dies at 76 after long battle with Alzheimer’s

FORMER Brazil International Leivinha has died aged 76 after a long battle against Alzheimer’s.

The ex-Palmeiras and Atletico Madrid winger, uncle of former Liverpool star Lucas Leiva, was capped 27 times by his country and played in three matches at the 1974 World Cup in Germany.

In a tribute to its idol, who passed away yesterday from complications linked to the debilitating disease he had been suffering for years, the Sao Paulo club said, referencing both the footballer by his full name and its Second Academy Golden Era Team: “Joao Leiva Campos Filho, one of the great idols of Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, passed away on Thursday.

“A star with both his feet and his head, Leivinha was one of the symbols of the Second Academy, which enchanted Brazil in the first half of the 1970s.

“A quick-touch attacking midfielder with excellent finishing, he ranks among the 15 greatest goalscorers in the club’s history and among the top five who scored the most for the team in the Brazilian Championship. In total, there were 267 games, 108 goals scored, and a legacy that has spanned generations.”

LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid said in a statement: “Atletico de Madrid is mourning the passing of our former player Joao Leiva Campos Filho

“Leivinha”, who passed away on Thursday 4 June at the age of 76.

“Born in Novo Horizonte (Brazil) on 11 September 1949, the winger joined our club in 1975.

“He made his debut for the Rojiblancos on 28 September of that same year in a match against Salamanca at the Vicente Calderon, in which he scored three goals.

“During his four years at our club, he played 93 matches and scored 43 goals, helping us to win the 1977 National League Championship.

“Our president, CEO, the rest of the Board of Directors and all our staff wish to express our deepest condolences and share in the family’s grief. May he rest in peace. “

Lucas Leiva who played 346 appearances for Liverpool in his decade at the Premier League club between 2007 and 2017.

He said in a touching social media post referencing his uncle’s heading ability alongside a picture of the footballer: “I’m sure you’re going to score a lot of goals with your head in Heaven.

“Rest in peace uncle.”

Leivinha was regarded as one of the most talented footballers of the 1970s.

He was renowned for his dribbling skills and excellent passing as well as his ferocious shot and heading skills.

He made his professional debut with Brazilian club Portuguesa before signing for Palmeiras in 1971, where he scored his 108 goals in 267 games and helped the team win Brazil’s top-tier league twice.

He moved to Europe in 1975 before returning to Brazil at the end of the seventies and signing for Sao Paulo.

He retired from professional football aged 29 due to injuries, going on to work as a football commentator and analyst.