Football Season Guide

São Paulo’s 2025 season was competitive but ultimately left fans longing for more. They finished 8th in Série A, securing a Copa Sul-Americana place for 2026 after an up-and-down league campaign. In the Copa do Brasil they were knocked out in the round of 16, and in the Copa Libertadores they advanced to the quarter-finals before elimination. Performance improved under manager Hernan Crespo, but even then there was too much inconsistency. Injuries reached unbeliavable numbers, with key players Oscar, Lucas Moura, Calleri and a dozen more spending more time with the medicals than on the pitch. Former Argentinean striker Hernán Crespo will keep ahead of São Paulo for the new season, and the fans are clearly happy with this. Crespo is seen as the ideal suit for Tricolor and all the inconsistency of last season was attributed to the number of injuries and problems on the executive board, more than problems with the performance on the pitch. Paraguayan Carlos Coronel arrives from MLS to put some pressure on Rafael, in goal. Centre-half Dória is back after ten years, but still young and fresh to become an instant reference at the back. Danielzinho is a very clever signing for midfield, after having been the most influential team on the sensation of 2026, Mirassol. Óscar is about to retire after serious health condition. Not really a big blow, since he was never able to have a sequence of games in last season. All other players leaving were reserves in last year. Of course, more important than any new signing the board can bring it's the recovery of many key players. Idols Lucas Moura Jonathan Calleri look fully recovered from their long-time injuries. Full-backs Enzo Diaz and Wendell as well. Striker André Silva should take a bit longer.