Santos return to Brazilian top flight, reclaim No.10 from Pele

Santos are back in the place from which, by history, name and greatness, they never had to leave. With two games left in the domestic competition, they beat Coritiba and are top of the table on 68 points, 11 points behind Ceara, who have a game in hand.

The historic Brazilian club sealed their promotion thanks to a 2-0 win on Tuesday that was marked by Otero's 41st-minute free-kick. Earlier, in the 20th minute, Wendel Silva had already put a team ahead that will face matches against CRB and Sport Recife with the sole aim of becoming champions.

Santos achieved their objective thanks to their 20 wins in 36 matches, but, above all, to their acceleration in this final stretch. Four consecutive wins in the last four matches have dispelled any chance of an upset and lifted the team out of the bottom 11 months after their first relegation.

With the return to the top flight, the Sao Paulo club also brings back the No.10 on its kits, a number worn by its biggest star Pele. Neymar, who has been rumoured for a possible return, also wore the number 10. The club felt that the second tier was not worthy of this number with so much weight in football history.

 

November 12, 2024