Football Season Guide

Santos had an atypical year in 2024, playing in the second division of the Campeonato Brasileiro for the first time in their history. Despite winning the title and being promoted without any problems, the performance wasn't the best and manager Fábio Carille was sacked at the end of the year. This year, in addition to the arrival of new manager Pedro Caixinha, known for his aggressive, high-intensity football, there have been major changes to the squad, with 18 departures and 12 arrivals so far. In addition to the return of idol and all time great Neymar, the following players arrived: defenders Luisão, Zé Ivaldo, Leo Godoy; midfielders Zé Rafael, Thaciano, Barreal, Rollheiser; forwards Veron, Soteldo, Tiquinho Soares and Deivid Washington. Among the departures, centre-back Jair will probably be felt the most. Giuliano and Otero played an important role last season, but were unlikely to have a similar impact in the top flight. Hayner, Patrick, Furch, Wendel and Willian Bigode are among the others who have left. The start of the season was disappointing. There were just two wins in the first nine games, followed by a recovery to secure a place in the Paulistão knockout stage, where they were eliminated by Corinthians in the semi-finals. Many of the new signings arrived in the final stretch of the Campeonato Paulista, have only played a few games and are not yet fully settled. Neymar has been struggling physically, his best moments have come from set-pieces and he recently picked up an injury that ruled him out of the decisive match against Corinthians. ‘Peixe’ has a team with a lot of quality in midfield and attack, with interesting options on the bench too. However, there is some uncertainty surrounding whether Neymar will stay until the end of the season. The star has left open the possibility of returning to European football in the next transfer window. On the other hand the defence leaves something to be desired. Veteran Gil, who at first wasn't in the manager's plans, has returned to the starting line-up, while academy product Chermont has been playing at right-back as new signing Léo Godoy hasn't performed well.