Carlos Alberto Dias, former Brazilian player and coach, dies at 59

Carlos Alberto Dias, a former Brazilian national team player and prominent midfielder, has died at the age of 59. At the time of his passing, he was serving as the coach for Ypiranga-PE in Pernambuco.

According to reports from Ypiranga-PE, Dias began experiencing symptoms including fatigue, fever, vomiting, and diarrhea on Saturday. After receiving initial medical attention and being discharged, he experienced chest pains on Sunday night. He was subsequently transferred to the Hospital Mestre Vitalino in Caruaru for cardiac evaluation, where he passed away. It was noted that Dias had a recent history of cardiac issues, including a stent procedure approximately ten months ago.

As a player, Dias was highly regarded in Brazilian football, particularly for his time with Rio de Janeiro's major clubs: Botafogo, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, and Fluminense. He is famously remembered by Botafogo fans for scoring the winning goal in the 1990 Campeonato Carioca final against Vasco. His career also included stints with Grêmio, Coritiba, and several Japanese clubs, as well as appearances for the Brazilian national team in 1992.