On December 6, Pele’s former team, Santos FC, lost 2-1 at home to Fortaleza in the final round of Brazil’s Serie A and were relegated for the first time in their 111-year history. This came as a huge shock for soccer fans around the world
The coastal city team dropped to 17th place in the rankings with 43 points after a terrible run of five games without a win. Also, the squad was one of three, along with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, to have never been demoted from Brazil’s top division.
🚨⚪️⚫️ Santos have been relegated for the first time in 111 years of club’s history.
O Rei Pelé and Neymar Júnior’s club will play in the second division. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/pKTuRKt34O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 7, 2023
Many soccer fans could not believe what they had witnessed or heard from the news regarding Santos’ relegation. They quickly took to social media to put forth their disbelief and views. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “How would Pele feel…” regarding the late Pele’s team being relegated for the first time in their club’s history.
How would Pele feel…
— Sisto (@WuraolaIfalola) December 7, 2023
When Santos FC and Fortaleza tied 1-1 in the second half and Vasco was held 1-1 by Bragantino, it appeared as though Santos would avoid relegation. But in front of its furious home supporters, Lucero’s goal in stoppage time and Serginho’s goal for Vasco in the 82nd minute condemned the three-time Copa Libertadores champion to relegation.
Why do all good things come to an end?
— Photo Artist 🎨| NFT. NYC 2024 (@JayJay__92) December 7, 2023
The greatest clubs from South America and Europe competed for the Intercontinental Cup, which Santos FC won in 1962 and 1963. These years also saw the team win the Copa Libertadores, South America’s version of the Champions League.
Legends who have played for Santos FC
Santos FC has always been closely associated with the late Pele, widely considered the greatest soccer legend ever. It is one of the greatest and most prosperous soccer teams in Brazil, and its players have made them famous all over the world.
Santos has won eight national championships, three Libertadores, one Recopa Sul Americana, two Intercontinental Cups, one Copa do Brasil, and eight Brasileiros. Also, everywhere in the world, there are supporters of this team, and every time they take the field to play, there is an electrifying energy in the crowd.
Le football va tellement vite… pic.twitter.com/pzPFBGz9NX
— El -Diez 🇪🇨🇦🇷 (@10generationell) December 7, 2023
Nevertheless, despite the ups and downs the squad has from time to time, Santos is respected for producing diamonds in the soccer world. Also, soccer legends like Pele, Neymar Jr., Robinho, Giovanni Silva, Carlos Alberto, Pepe, and Coutinho have played for their glorying crest.
It remains to be seen what happens next with Santos FC and their fans all over the world. They all will have to stick together during this tough period and come out stronger and back in Brazil’s top-flight league once again and prove to the world why they are considered one of the best in the country.