2023-12-07 16:38:55
In Brazil, it is a cataclysm. 111 years after its creation, the Santos club was relegated for the first time in its history to the second division. The emblematic club where Pelé played for 18 years collapsed on the last day of the championship.
Published on: 07/12/2023 – 15:38
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Less than a year after the contemplation sparked by the death of King Pelé, legend of the Paulista club, it was in anger that Santos supporters ended their year 2023. Cars burned, surroundings of the Vila Belmiro stadium vandalized, and endless tears. Those of the supporters in the stands, and those of the players on the pitch.
Joao Paulo, inconsolable at the final whistle, but helpless. The Santos goalkeeper beaten twice against Fortaleza, twice too many: those which sent Santos to the second division. The Sao Paulo team knew it was in danger, neck and neck with the clubs of Bahia and Vasco da Gama of Frenchman Dimitri Payet.
Pelé, Neymar, Robinho, Zé Roberto, Dunga…
A 38th and final day of the championship played simultaneously and during which each of the three clubs will have occupied in turn this 17th place, that of first relegation. Finally ending with victories for Bahia and Vasco, condemning Santos to relegation.
A descent into Serie B as the culmination of a chaotic journey in recent seasons. Santos, 12th in the championship last year, and whose last national title dates back to 2004. The endangered myth has finally given way.
The Santos club, which has seen Neymar, Robinho, Zé Roberto, Dunga, etc., was named the fifth best football club of the 20th century according to FIFA. The Copa Libertadores final, lost in 2020 against rival Palmeiras, will therefore remain the last exploit of a club which must now rebuild.
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