Why Santos keep producing distinctive players in Brazilian football | OneFootball

Santos have long promoted academy talent to centre stage rather than bench depth. That thread still defines the club, with youngsters marked by technique, courage and early decisiveness.

According to Diario Do Peixe, the identity has endured through changing eras, bringing trophies, major sales and a clear way of playing.

It starts with Pelé, whose brilliance made Santos global and set a culture of ball skills, game reading and personality.

Across the in-between years, Coutinho and Edu showed the style held firm. Santos formed not only forwards but intelligent players across positions.

In 2002, Robinho and Diego led the Brasileirão win, 3-2 over Corinthians at the Morumbi before 74,586. Two years later the club were champions again, clinched against Vasco on the final day.

Neymar and Ganso then fronted a side that turned flair into silverware. The team won the 2010 Copa do Brasil, Neymar top scoring on 11, then took the 2011 Libertadores 2-1 against Peñarol at the Pacaembu, with goals from Neymar and Danilo.

Success brought rapid sales and constant rebuilding. Rodrygo’s Real Madrid move, around 45 million euros with structured elements, underlined the academy’s economic weight. Vila Belmiro’s intensity shapes youngsters quickly, and tradition fuels expectation that the next protagonist could be emerging.

Source: Diario Do Peixe