Santos, Brazil Legend Pele’s Former Club Relegated for the First Time in History
![Pele playing for Santos in 1966](https://c74uzjeiboch.wpcdn.shift8cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/santos-peles-ex-club-faces-first-relegation-in-g3-football.jpg)
Santos, the legendary Brazilian club where Pele once played, has suffered relegation for the first time in its 111-year history.
Santos Drops Out of Serie A
A 2-1 home defeat against Fortaleza in their final league match of the season has resulted in Santos dropping out of Serie A, Brazil’s top flight.
Santos, known for their golden era in the 1950s and 60s, won 12 state titles, six league titles, and two Copas Libertadores.
Pele’s Legacy
It is worth noting that Pele, the three-time World Cup winner, passed away at the age of 82 last year.
Santos is also renowned for producing Brazil’s record scorer Neymar.
Financial Struggles
Santos has faced financial difficulties in recent years, contributing to their current relegation.
Relegation Battle
Heading into the final game of the season, America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias had already been relegated.
With Santos tied at 1-1, Vasco da Gama occupied the fourth relegation spot. However, a late goal from Serginho secured Vasco’s victory, and a stoppage-time winner from Fortaleza’s Lucero sealed Santos’ fate, leaving them one point away from safety.
Palmeiras Crowned Champions
Palmeiras clinched their second consecutive championship title – and 12th overall – with a 1-1 draw against Cruzeiro.
Flamengo and Sao Paulo are the only remaining teams in the league that have never been relegated.