Former Brazil full-back Ze Carlos, a runner-up at the 1998 World Cup, passed away on Friday at the age of 56, as confirmed by his former club Sao Paulo.
The club did not disclose the cause of death, but local media reported it as cardiac arrest.
“With great sadness, Sao Paulo FC announces the passing of Jose Carlos de Almeida, Ze Carlos, this Friday in Osasco, near Sao Paulo,” read a statement from the club, where he played from 1997 to 1999.
Ze Carlos was uncapped when he was selected for the 1998 World Cup squad as a replacement for Flavio Conceicao. He remained on the bench during the group stage and in knockout matches against Chile in the round of 16 and Denmark in the quarter-finals.
His single appearance came in the semi-final against the Netherlands, when Cafu was suspended, with Brazil ultimately winning on penalties. Ze Carlos returned to the bench for the final, where Brazil suffered a 3-0 defeat to Zinedine Zidane’s France. He was never selected for Brazil again and retired in 2005.