Football Season Guide

Santos FC

In


Gabriel Menino (mid) Atlético MG - on loan; Gabigol (att) Cruzeiro - on loan; Miguelito (mid) America MG - return from loan

Out


João Paulo (sp)(gk) Bahia; Souza (r)(def) Tottenham, ENG; Gil (sp)(def) retired; Leo Godoy (sp)(def) Independiente, ARG; Luisão (sp)(def) Goiás - on loan; Victor Hugo (sp)(mid) Atlético MG; Guilherme (r)(att) Houston Dynamo, MLS

Santos’s 2025 season was a turbulent campaign in Série A, both in and off the pitch. 'Peixe' fought away from relegation and ultimately finished 13th, securing qualification to the 2026 Copa Sul-Americana and safety on the final day with a decisive win over Cruzeiro. They were eliminated in the third round of the Copa do Brasil on penalties and had no continental competition beyond league play. The club faced a transfer ban and complete executive chaos. Goalkeeper Brazão was the absolute standout of the team showing safe hands to secure points that proved decisive in the end. New signing Barreal was the best pitch player. Despite several injuries and playing through physical limitations the whole year, the star and idol Neymar proved decisive in the final rounds. Argentinean Juan Pablo Vojvoda arrived at Santos in the finel third of last season and saved 'Peixe' from relegation. He is better known for his excellent results with Fortaleza, during his 5 years there. This will be his chance to prove that he can do the same with a completely different club. His positive, attractive football suits this technically gifted squad. 'Peixe' managed to bring a former idol: striker Gabigol, still one of the most iconic and charismatic players on the country, but also one of the most controversial, will join in an attacking line that counts with some other important names like Barreal, Rollheiser, Lautaro and, of course, the absolute top idol of the club after the 60's, Neymar. Gabriel Menino might be another strong signing, but he will need to recover his best years at Palmeiras, back from 2020 to 2023. Young talented left-back Souza is the most remarkable departure. Striker Guilherme is also an important player leaving.

Target


If injuries allow Neymar to play more minutes than last season, Santos might hope for a top-10 position; otherwise, they might get involved in relegation contention again.