Santos face crucial match in the city where Pelé grew up | OneFootball

After hearing criticism and boos from the fans after drawing with São Paulo at home 1-1 last Wednesday in the Brasileirão, Santos turns its focus back to the Campeonato Paulista. In 14th place in the State Championship, Peixe is the first club outside the relegation zone and will face Noroeste away in the next round, in a match scheduled for this Sunday at 4pm (Brasília time).

The greatest idol of Alvinegro Praiano, Pelé has a history in the city of Bauru, home of the next opponent. The King of Football lived in this city in the interior of São Paulo during part of his childhood and began to make a name for himself in football during his time there.

Pelé in the São Paulo countryside

Born in Três Corações, a city in the interior of Minas Gerais, Pelé moved to Bauru because of his father, Dondinho, who was a football player and was hired by Bauru Atlético Clube in 1946. The King, who arrived in the city at age six, stayed there until he transferred to Santos in 1956.

It was in Noroeste that Pelé gained notoriety for his football. The striker started playing for fun in neighborhood teams and, naturally, stood out for his skill. At 11, he played for Bauru Atlético Clube, where he was coached by Waldemar de Brito. In 1956, at age 15, Pelé left Bauru and began his journey with Santos, in a transfer orchestrated by Waldemar.

The house where Pelé and his family lived in Bauru. (Photo: Acervo/Gazeta Press)

Delicate situation

With two games left in the first phase of the Campeonato Paulista, Santos finds itself in a complicated situation. Alvinegro Praiano could end the round in the relegation zone if they lose to Noroeste next Sunday and Velo Clube beats Red Bull Bragantino at home.

Next Santos match

Match: Noroeste vs. Santos Competition: Campeonato Paulista – 7th round Date: 02/08/2026 (Sunday), at 4pm (Brasília time) Venue: Estádio Alfredo de Castilho, Bauru (SP)

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