São Paulo miss Alisson, field less than half title-winning XI

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·08 de março de 2026

São Paulo miss Alisson, field less than half title-winning XI

The departure of midfielder Alisson, announced with his transfer to Fluminense, highlights just how much São Paulo has changed since winning the 2023 Copa do Brasil. Without the defensive midfielder, Tricolor now has less than half of the starters who were on the field in the final against Flamengo, a match that marked one of the most symbolic chapters in the club’s recent history.

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A historic and symbolic title

The 2023 Copa do Brasil meant much more than just a trophy for São Paulo. It was the club’s greatest achievement since the Brazilian championship three-peat (2006, 2007, and 2008) and, most importantly, São Paulo’s first-ever title in the competition, closing a longstanding gap in their trophy cabinet.

Changes in the lineup

In that year’s final, coach Dorival Júnior fielded São Paulo with Rafael, Rafinha, Arboleda, Beraldo, and Caio Paulista; Pablo Maia, Alisson, Wellington Rato, Rodrigo Nestor, Lucas, and Calleri. Just over two years later, the scenario is quite different.

Only five players remain at the club: Rafael, Arboleda, Pablo Maia, Lucas, and Calleri. Rafinha has retired from football, Beraldo is at PSG, Caio Paulista plays for Grêmio, Wellington Rato is at Goiás, Rodrigo Nestor went to Bahia, and now Alisson strengthens Fluminense.

Coach Dorival Júnior also left Tricolor shortly after to take charge of the Brazilian National Team. After him came Thiago Carpini, Luís Zubeldía, and now the team is managed by Hernán Crespo.

Less than half remain

With Alisson’s departure, São Paulo now has less than half of the starters from that historic final, reinforcing a process of squad renewal and restructuring since the title win. The team that lifted the Copa do Brasil has definitely entered history, but today lives on more in the fans’ memories than on the field.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.