1970: Brazil Are Three-Time Champions
Explore images of the Brazilian squad as they win the World Cup for the third time in Mexico
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970-06)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil are World Cup winners for the third time
Carlos Alberto Torres, captain of the 1970 Brazilian squad, holds the Jules Rimet trophy aloft during the reception for the players in the capital Brasília, after Brazil won the World Cup for the third time in Mexico.
Brazil v Czechoslovakia
In their opening game at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara (Mexico) on June 3, Brazil thrashed the former Czechoslovakia 4-1, despite them scoring the first goal after just 11 minutes. Left midfielder Rivellino leveled the scores after 24 minutes. In the second half, Brazil took the lead with a goal from Pelé, and two further goals from right winger Jairzinho completed the scores.
Jogo amistoso entre Brasil e Bulgária (1970-04-26)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v England
In their second match on June 7, a goal from Jairzinho 14 minutes into the second half settled the match.
A pinpoint pass from Tostão found Pelé level with the penalty spot and he slid it into the path of Jairzinho, who fired the ball home.
Futebol (1970)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v Romania
In their last group stage match on June 10, Brazil faced Romania, clinching a tight 3-2 victory.
Their first two goals came from Pelé and Jairzinho, and another from Pelé in the second half sealed the win. Brazil were on their way to the World Cup quarterfinals.
Amistoso entre Brasil e Áustria (1970-04-29)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil v Peru
In their quarterfinal match on June 14, Brazil faced Peru. It was the first time that the Peruvians had reached the knockout stages of the World Cup and they were beaten 4-2.
With a goal from Rivellino, two from Tostão, and another from Jairzinho, Brazil were getting ever closer to the World Cup final.
Brazil v Uruguay
The game against Uruguay was the tensest match of the tournament for the Brazilian team. The Uruguayans scored first, after just 18 minutes, and memories of Brazilian nerves when they lost the 1950 World Cup final to Uruguay weighed heavily on the team in yellow. A goal from Clodoaldo at the stroke of halftime brought them level. In the second half, goals from Jairzinho and Rivellino secured the team's place in the final against Italy.
Pelé ergue a Taça Jules Rimet ao lado do presidente da República Emílio Garrastazu Médici (1970-06-23) by Roberto StuckertFolha de S.Paulo
Final: Brazil v Italy
The final was played at Mexico City's Azteca Stadium on June 21.
With goals from Pelé, Gerson, Jairzinho, and captain Carlos Alberto Torres, the Brazilians defeated the Italian team 4-1 and became the first three-time World Cup champions.
In the photo, Pelé and his teammates appear alongside Brazil’s president, Emílio Garrastazu Médici.
Carlos Alberto Torres e Zagallo (1970-06-23)Folha de S.Paulo
Brazil’s captain, Carlos Alberto Torres (right), and the team's manager, Mário Jorge Lobo Zagallo, celebrate winning the World Cup for an unprecedented third time.
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970)Folha de S.Paulo
Fans take to the streets in downtown São Paulo to celebrate their team winning the World Cup for the third time.
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970)Folha de S.Paulo
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970)Folha de S.Paulo
Copa do Mundo de 1970 (1970-06-23) by Roberto StuckertFolha de S.Paulo
The Brazilian team are welcomed by thousands of fans on Brasília's main highway (the Eixo Rodoviário) in the Federal District after winning the World Cup for the third time. On top of the truck, Brazilian manager Zagallo and team captain Carlos Alberto Torres wave to the crowd.
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970-07-20)Folha de S.Paulo
The mayor of São Paulo, Paulo Maluf (center), is flanked by players Rivellino (left) and Pelé (right) as they are each rewarded with a car for winning the World Cup for the third time.
Copa do Mundo 1970 (1970-06-21)Folha de S.Paulo
Holding the Brazilian flag, Brazilian president Emílio Garrastazu Médici walks out of the Planalto Palace (Palácio do Planalto) to meet fans after the final between Brazil and Italy.
Museu do Futebol (2018-05-11) by Adriano VizoniFolha de S.Paulo
A shirt worn by Pelé during the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, on display at the Soccer Museum (Museu do Futebol) in São Paulo.
Taça Jules Rimet (1970-07-02)Folha de S.Paulo
Visitors view the Jules Rimet trophy, on display at São Paulo Tourism Department’s stand in Roosevelt Square in downtown São Paulo.
On December 19, 1983, the trophy was stolen from the Brazilian Soccer Confederation’s (Confederação Brasileira de Futebol) headquarters on Rua da Alfândega, in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, where it was on display.
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