For the first time in Santos Futebol Clube's 112-year history, the club that once carried Pelé to global fame and launched Neymar into stardom has been relegated from Brazil's top flight. The fall came after the 2023 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A season ended in heartbreak, with Santos finishing 19th — a historic collapse for a team that had never slipped below the top division since 1962. The emotional weight was palpable: fans wept in the stands, local businesses braced for losses, and Neymar, still recovering from injury, was reportedly moved to tears after Santos’ final match. What followed wasn’t just a setback — it was a reckoning.
A 61-Year Streak Ends
Santos had been a fixture in Brazil’s elite since 1962, surviving economic turmoil, managerial changes, and even the retirement of Pelé in 1974. That unbroken run ended on November 16, 2023, when the final whistle blew on a season defined by inconsistency, aging stars, and a lack of investment. With five games left, a 1-0 win over Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras — sparked by a last-minute goal from Argentinian forward Benjamin Rollheiser — briefly revived hope. The goal came after a perfect through ball from Robson, and Palmeiras’ goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, widely praised that night, couldn’t reach it. But it was a mirage. Santos won just two of their final five matches. The club finished with 41 points, six behind the safety line. The numbers didn’t lie: 14 wins, 11 draws, 19 losses. Goals scored: 45. Goals conceded: 59.Neymar’s Exit and the Financial Fallout
The relegation wasn’t just a sporting disaster — it was a financial earthquake. According to ESPN Brazil, sources confirmed that Neymar had already decided to leave if Santos dropped to Série B. The club, reportedly, had stopped discussing a contract extension with his father and agent. That decision was made months before the final whistle, as sponsors began pulling back. Broadcast deals, already scaled down during the 2023 season, were canceled entirely. One insider told me: "Santos was bleeding money. Every home game in 2023 drew half the crowd it did in 2018. The brand was cracking." The club’s sponsorship portfolio shrank by nearly 40%, and merchandise sales dropped over 60% in the final quarter. Even the Santos youth academy, once a goldmine of talent, saw applications plummet.The 2024 Série B Redemption
But Santos didn’t fold. They fought. In the 2024 Campeonato Brasileiro Série B, they were relentless. Under coach Odair Hellmann, they played with urgency. Midfielder Machado (jersey #19) became the engine, while striker Nicolas Careca (#13) netted 17 goals. The defense, anchored by veteran Fracchia (#80), kept 15 clean sheets. On November 23, 2024, Santos clinched the title with a 3-1 win over Cuiabá at Vila Belmiro, their historic home in Santos, São Paulo. The crowd — 28,000 strong — chanted Pelé’s name as fireworks lit up the night sky. "This wasn’t just promotion," said club president Andres Rueda in his post-match speech. "This was resurrection."
Back in the Top Flight — But Changed Forever
The 2025 Santos FC season marks their 113th year and their return to the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. The roster reflects both ambition and pragmatism: young forwards Nacho Laquintana (25) and Pedrinho (25) arrived on loan, while Billy Arce was released after a troubled stint in Colombia. The team’s early form in 2025 has been shaky: 14 wins, 14 draws, 20 losses across all competitions, with a goal difference of -8. They’ve conceded more than they’ve scored — a sign that defense remains a work in progress.Still, the atmosphere at Vila Belmiro has returned. Ticket sales for the 2025 Série A opener against Flamengo sold out in 47 minutes. Local shops are restocking jerseys. Children are wearing Santos kits again. The club’s financial recovery won’t be quick — but the spirit? That’s back.
What’s Next?
Santos’ 2025 calendar is packed: the Campeonato Paulista (Jan 16–Mar 9), Copa do Brasil (May 1–22), and the Série A grind (Mar 30–Dec 7). The goal isn’t just survival — it’s reclaiming relevance. Can they finish in the top half? Can they attract a marquee signing? Can they rebuild their academy pipeline? The answers will define whether this return is a temporary bounce — or the start of something lasting.
Why This Matters Beyond Santos
Santos’ fall and rise is a mirror for Brazilian football itself. Once the world’s most dominant league, Brazil’s top flight now struggles with financial instability, corruption scandals, and a brain drain of talent. Clubs like Flamengo and Palmeiras spend hundreds of millions. Santos, once a model of sustainable excellence, was left behind. Their 2024 Série B title proves that even giants can fall — but with leadership, grit, and fan loyalty, they can climb back. It’s a story not just for Santos fans, but for every football community watching their club teeter on the edge.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Santos FC avoid permanent decline after relegation?
Santos avoided permanent decline by doubling down on youth development, hiring coach Odair Hellmann for his disciplined system, and securing key loan signings like Nacho Laquintana and Pedrinho. Their 2024 Série B campaign featured 17 goals from Nicolas Careca and 15 clean sheets — a sign of tactical discipline. Crucially, they kept their core fan base engaged through transparent communication and affordable ticket pricing, which helped maintain revenue during the lower division season.
Did Neymar really play in Santos’ final Série A match of 2023?
No, Neymar did not play in Santos’ final Série A match of 2023. He was still recovering from a hamstring injury and had not featured since September. Though he attended the October 28 match against Palmeiras — where Benjamin Rollheiser scored the winner — he was on the bench in casual clothes. His absence was symbolic: his departure was already sealed, and his emotional reaction after the match was widely reported by Brazilian media as a farewell to the club that made him.
What financial impact did relegation have on Santos?
Santos lost an estimated R$220 million (roughly $43 million USD) in broadcast revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise sales during 2024. Their primary sponsor, a major Brazilian bank, terminated its contract. TV rights for Série B are only 12% of Série A’s value. The club’s debt rose to R$480 million, but the 2024 promotion triggered a clause in their stadium lease that allowed them to renegotiate with local authorities — a critical lifeline.
How does Santos’ 2025 performance compare to their historical peak?
In their 1960s golden era under Pelé, Santos averaged over 2.5 goals per game and won 10 state titles and two Copa Libertadores. In 2025, they’ve scored 57 goals across all competitions — a solid total, but far below their historical average. Their win percentage (29.17%) is below the Série A average of 35%. They’re rebuilding, not dominating. Still, their goal difference of -8 is better than expected, suggesting the defense is improving under Hellmann’s guidance.
Who are the key players to watch in Santos’ 2025 Série A campaign?
Keep an eye on striker Nicolas Careca, who scored 17 goals in Série B and carries momentum into 2025. Midfielder Machado controls tempo and has become the team’s captain. Young forward Deivid, who scored in the March 16 friendly against Coritiba, is being closely watched by European scouts. Goalkeeper Renan Ribeiro, signed in January, has already kept three clean sheets in early Série A matches — a rare bright spot in a leaky defense.
Could Santos win the 2025 Série A title?
Unlikely. With a squad still in transition and a -8 goal difference, Santos are more likely to fight for a top-10 finish than the championship. The title favorites remain Flamengo, Palmeiras, and Minas Gerais’ Atlético Mineiro. But a top-eight finish would be considered a success — and would set the stage for a true rebuild in 2026, possibly with a new coach and a few high-profile signings.
