Bellini, Brazil's captain when it won its first World Cup in 1958, died on Thursday from complications following a heart attack. He was 83.
His death comes just 12 weeks before Brazil hosts the 2014 World Cup.
A central defender, Bellini became widely known for being the first captain to raise the World Cup trophy above his head as a symbol of triumph.
The gesture was immortalised with a statue of Bellini in front of Maracana Stadium.
He had a heart attack on Tuesday and had been hospitalised since then. Local media said he had also been suffering from Alzheimer's.
Bellini also won the 1962 World Cup and played in the tournament one last time in 1966.
He played for Brazilian clubs Vasco da Gama, Sao Paulo and Atletico Paranaense.
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