Published on 07.12.2023
Santos was one of the three clubs, along with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, never to have been relegated from Brazil’s top flight.
Santos was relegated for the first time in their 111-year history on yesterday following a 2-1 home loss to Fortaleza in the final round of Brazil’s Serie A.
Santos’ relegation following a 2-1 home loss to Fortaleza was another setback for the club at the stadium where Pelé’s funeral took place in January.
This year’s title went to Palmeiras with striker Endrick, set to join Real Madrid, scoring several key goals and rival Botafogo squandering a 13-point lead in the standings.
Santos finished one point behind City Football Group-owned Bahia, who beat Atletico Mineiro 4-1, and two less than Vasco da Gama, the winners of another tense clash against Bragantino.
The match ended as soon as Santos fans tried to invade the pitch, forcing players to run to the locker rooms.
Late Brazilian great Pele helped Santos become one of the most famous clubs in world football, the side enjoying a golden era in the 1950s and 1960s that saw them win 10 state and six Brazilian league titles.
They also lifted the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963, the same years they won the Intercontinental Cup, the trophy played for by the top teams from Europe and South America.
In addition to Pele, Santos has produced a host of outstanding players such as former AC Milan striker Robinho, Brazil’s top scorer Neymar and Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
