Santos FC: Players, History, Rivalries and Achievements

Santos Futebol Clube, also known as Santos FC, is one of the most successful and iconic Brazilian and South American clubs. Over 100 years since its inception, Santos has been known globally for producing some of the best Brazilian talents who have gone on to play for European giants and create a legacy of their own. They are known for their attacking intent and constant pressing tactics, encouraging players to depend on their natural flair and take risks instead of just following a particular way of the game.

Nodding to the city’s coastal roots, they wear the iconic white kit and are known as the Peixe(The Fish) by their fans. It was under the first superstar of football, “The King” Pele, who brought the world’s attention to Santos in the 1960s, playing for the club for almost 20 years. Since then, big names like Robinho, Rodrygo, Neymar, and others have developed through the Santos academy and provided joy to football fans worldwide through their skills.

Santos FC Key Facts

In the coastal city of Santos, Sao Paulo, the club was founded on 14 April 1912, embodying the spirit of beach and street football, which brought about a renaissance in the game with players taking risks and displaying never-seen-before skills. They play at the legendary Vila Belmiro (Estádio Urbano Caldeira) with a 16,000 capacity, and their youth academy is world-famous, known as the “Factory of Kings.”

Their club motto also revolves around the talents produced by the club known as “Meninos da Vila” (Boys of Vila), and it was in 1978 Campeonato Paulista when this particular young team of academy graduates caught worldwide attention, shocking everyone and winning the title. Whenever Santos’ name is mentioned, Brazilians feel pride and honor for everything the club has meant to the people in the last century.

ALSO READ: Manchester United FC: Players, History, Rivalries, and Achievements

Santos FC Net Worth, Value and Sponsors

Santos is one of the oldest and most renowned clubs in Brazil. They have been a household name for a while and are connected to the roots of their fans, generating significant revenue to run their operations. Their latest estimated net worth is around $242 million, making them the 10th most valuable football club competing in Brazil.

As of 2023, the club generated $87 million in revenues, of which TV rights accounted for 36% of their total revenue. Marketing and commercial revenues included 16% in value, and members and social clubs accounted for 12%. They were able to generate 10% from stadium operations, ticket sales, and other branding opportunities.

Sponsors of Club

Santos FC has established a big name through its achievements over the years, allowing them to partner with some of the biggest companies for more exposure and branding. Their main sponsor is Blaze, an online betting company, and they signed a two-year agreement in 2023 at around $6 million. Through this deal, Blaze can showcase its logo prominently on the club’s men’s and women’s jerseys. Their main sports and kit sponsor remains Umbro, and their partnership is valued at around $2 million.

Amongst other notable sponsors are an electronics brand called Philco and a food products manufacturer called Kodilar. They also partner with Abudah(Eurosports for broadcasting rights) and Allmix, contributing significantly to their revenue generation.

Santos FC History

Started and founded by three friends and sports enthusiasts, Francisco Raymundo Marques, Mário Ferraz de Campos, and Argemiro de Souza Júnior, Santos FC was started with the intention of promoting football and unity in the coastal city of Santos in 1912. It wasn’t until the 1950s that they gained national prominence when Pele arrived and changed their fortunes forwever. He helped Santos dominate domestic as well as international tournaments and under his leadership the club won numerous titles.

Pele guided them to 8 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A titles, 2 Copa Libertadores trophies (1962 and 1963), and 2 Intercontinental Cups (1962 and 1963), making them a football powerhouse in that era. However, after Pele’s departure, the club faced uncertainty until the 2000s when a new generation of talented footballers like Robinho, Diego, and later Ganso and Neymar proudly carried forward the banner of Santos. In 2011, they won the Copa Libertadores, ending a 48-year drought in the competition and solidifying their legacy.

Throughout its history, Santos has been a global club that has resonated with a way of football like no other. They have passion and an attacking way of football, which can break down even the tightest of defenses, and what sets them apart is their commitment to their original philosophy instead of commercialization and dependence on the standards of modern football.

Santos FC Club Anthems

Santos, being an iconic Brazilian club, has a few anthems that are sung passionately by their fans during their matches. Their official anthem is “Leao do Mar,” which translates to ‘Lion of the Sea,’ which seemingly relates to their connection to the sea as a coastal club and their bravery in celebrating their traditions and titles. Miro dos Santos wrote the lyrics of the song.

Their most popular fan chant is “Hino do Centenario,” composed for their 100th centennial anniversary 2012. This anthem emphasizes their legacy, global image, and their plans for the future Santos footballers.

Santos FC Rivalries

Being one of the oldest and most iconic football clubs with a passionate fanbase, Santos has had rivalries with some other clubs, which have often transcended the boundaries of competition. Of this, the most iconic rivalry is the Clássico Alvinegro, played between Santos and Corinthians. Translating to “Black-and-white Deby” are the two teams’ colors. This rivalry dates back to the 20th century when Pele’s Santos clashed with the then-top team of Corinthians to establish regional dominance.

Another iconic rivalry is Santos vs Sao Paulo, the Classico San-Sao. It is known for its astute technical and tactical battles, and there were several epic clashes between the two clubs in the early 2000s, led by Robinho and Diego. Their third most important rivalry is with Palmeiras, called the Classico de Saudade, translating to the “Derby of Nostalgia, ” bringing back the golden days of Brazilian football.

Palmeiras were led by the legendary Ademir da Guia and Santos by Pele during the 1960s when this fierce rivalry became known for their high-scoring matches and beautiful football. Santos has also had iconic clashes with Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro football, and Gremio during the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores competitions.

ALSO READ: Brest FC: Players, History, Rivalries and Achievements

Santos FC Honors

Historically, Santos is the fourth most successful Brazilian club and has had a highly decorated history. They won the Copa Libertadores thrice in 1962, 1963, and 2011, and the Intercontinental Cup twice in 1962 and 1963. They became the first Brazilian club to achieve this feat and won the Recopa Sudamericana and the Supercopa de Campeones Intercontinental in 1968.

They have been national champions 8 times: the Copa do Brasil in 2010 and the Supercopa do Brasil in 1968. They have won the Campeonato Paulista a whopping 22 times, which includes a streak of 10 consecutive titles. Their honors have spanned a long time, and the current century has also been marked by significant silverware that underlines their desire to be successful and be a top club. Their academies also win trophies and are one of the most represented youth teams in the world.

Santos FC Players

When Rodygo assisted Neymar to break Pelé's all-time goalscoring record for Brazil 🥹🇧🇷

Santos history 🤍 pic.twitter.com/zY6Jdvrkwq

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) January 28, 2025