Santos, Pele’s former club, suffered their first relegation in their 111-year history on Wednesday after losing 2-1 at home to Fortaleza in the final round of Brazil’s Serie A.
The city team, along with Sao Paulo and Flamengo, fell to 17th place in the standings with 43 points, shattering their record of never experiencing relegation from Brazil’s top flight, as a result of a dismal five-game winless streak.
The 20-team division had already assured relegation for America Mineiro, Coritiba, and Goias.
City Football Group-owned Bahia secured their top-flight status with a resounding 4-1 win over Atletico Mineiro, while Vasco da Gama stayed out of the drop zone with a 2-1 win over Bragantino.
Santos seemed poised to avoid relegation when they reached a 1-1 tie with Fortaleza in the second half, while Bragantino held Vasco to a 1-1 draw.
However, Serginho’s goal for Vasco in the 82nd minute and a stoppage-time goal from Fortaleza’s Lucero condemned the three-time Copa Libertadores champions to relegation in front of their frustrated home fans.
Endrick, set to join Real Madrid in July, scored in the 21st minute, securing back-to-back championships and a record-extending 12th title for Palmeiras with a 1-1 draw at Cruzeiro.
The late Brazilian great Pele helped Santos become one of the most famous clubs in world football, 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, South America’s equivalent of the Champions League, in 1962 and 1963. In that same year, they claimed victory in the Intercontinental Cup, a trophy that pits the top teams from Europe and South America against each other.
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.
