São Paulo face three familiar faces against Bahia, check it out | OneFootball

São Paulo will face three players who have previously played for the club in the match against Bahia, in the 30th round of the Brazilian Championship. The match will take place this Saturday, starting at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), at Morumbi.

The former São Paulo players who currently defend the Steel Squad and could enforce the "law of the ex" are midfielder Willian José, and midfielders Michel Araújo and Rodrigo Nestor.

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Rodrigo Nestor

Photo: Nilton Fukuda/São Paulo

A product of Cotia, Rodrigo Nestor debuted for São Paulo's main team in 2020. His best season was in 2022, when he played 62 matches, scored eight goals, and provided 11 assists, establishing himself as one of the key players in the squad.

The most emblematic moment of his career happened in the 2023 Copa do Brasil final against Flamengo. Nestor scored the equalizing goal in the second leg, securing the unprecedented title of the competition for Tricolor.

At the end of that year, he suffered a severe knee injury during training, which sidelined him for several months. After a long recovery, he returned to play in 2024, but without the same prominence. In the season, he played 38 matches and scored one goal.

Nestor's numbers for São Paulo:

Michel Araújo

Photo: Rubens Chiri/São Paulo

Michel Araújo joined São Paulo in March 2023, on loan until the end of 2024. He quickly became an important 12th player and played a fundamental role in winning the 2023 Copa do Brasil.

His good performance led the club to acquire his rights permanently, with a contract signed until the end of 2027. However, the midfielder lost his place during the season and eventually transferred to Bahia the following season.

Michel Araújo's numbers for São Paulo:

Willian José

Photo: Djalma Vassão/AFP

The forward Willian José, now 33 years old, played for São Paulo between 2011 and 2012. In his first year, he had few opportunities, especially after the arrival of Luís Fabiano, who took over the starting position.

In 2012, however, he gained more opportunities due to Fabuloso's injury and had a great start to the season, becoming one of the top scorers in the Paulista Championship.

Willian José's numbers for São Paulo:

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