Arriving during the New York City blackout of 1977, Carlos Alberto made his Cosmos debut days later on his 33rd birthday, July 17, 1977, joining a struggling squad desperate to help his dear friend and former teammate retire as a champion. He proved the missing ingredient as his arrival brought stability to the defense and cohesion to the team. He would go on win four league titles with the club (1977, 1978, 1980, 1982).