Pelé club is relegated for the first time: FC Santos fans go completely crazy

A 1:2 on the last matchday in front of a home crowd against Fortaleza EC sealed the club’s fate. As a result of the defeat, the two-time World Cup winners from the Brazilian port city slipped into a relegation zone and thus fell into the second division for the first time.

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After the drama, all the dams broke among the players and fans and tears flowed. However, the sadness quickly turned into (destructive) rage. The situation got completely out of control. Numerous cars and buses were set on fire in the city and in front of the stadium.

Videos at X show the full extent of the destruction – burning cars and thick clouds of smoke rising into the sky.

With the relegation, FC Santos’ glory days are finally over. The club was once the home of Zé Roberto (49), Neymar (31) and one of the greatest players of all time: Pelé (†82).

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Brazil’s football legend, who died of cancer on December 29th last year, spent almost his entire professional career at FC Santos – and helped his heart club achieve world fame. Pelé scored 567 goals in a total of 583 games. Highlights included winning the Copa Libertadores in 1962 and 1963.

While the fans rioted, Neymar addressed the supporters with hopeful words. “We will be able to laugh again,” wrote the superstar, who grew up at FC Santos, in an Instagram story.

A pious wish! Because there is more chaos at the moment. (pol)