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Santos FC

Santos FC is a Brazilian football club based in Santos, São Paulo.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Santos FC is a Brazilian football club based in Santos, São Paulo. Founded on 14 April 1912, it is one of Brazil’s most successful clubs and is closely associated with Pelé and an attacking style of play. The club’s official name is Santos Futebol Clube, and it plays its home matches at Estádio Urbano Caldeira, also known as Vila Belmiro.

History

Santos FC was founded in 1912 by Raimundo Marques, Mário Ferraz de Campos, and Argemiro de Souza Júnior in the coastal city of Santos, São Paulo. The club grew into one of Brazil’s most decorated clubs and became internationally famous during the Pelé era.

Honours

Santos has won 8 Brazilian league titles and 3 Copa Libertadores titles, as well as 22 Campeonato Paulista titles. These achievements place it among the most successful teams in Brazilian football.

Stadium and identity

Santos plays at Estádio Urbano Caldeira, commonly called Vila Belmiro. The club is known for its black-and-white colours and the nickname Peixe, meaning fish.

Notable players

Santos has produced and developed several prominent footballers, including Pelé, Pepe, Neymar, Robinho, and others. Its youth and attacking tradition are a major part of its identity.

Key facts

  • The club was founded in 1912 by Raimundo Marques, Mário Ferraz de Campos, and Argemiro de Souza Júnior.
  • Santos has won 8 Brazilian league titles and 3 Copa Libertadores titles.
  • It has also won 22 Campeonato Paulista titles.
  • The club is widely associated with Pelé, who became its most famous player.
  • Its traditional home ground is Estádio Urbano Caldeira, known as Vila Belmiro.
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Canadian context

Santos FC is of interest to Canadian readers mainly through international football coverage, global player development, and the broader history of the sport’s most famous clubs.

Frequently asked questions

When was Santos FC founded?
Santos FC was founded on 14 April 1912 in Santos, Brazil.
Where is Santos FC based?
The club is based in Santos, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil.
What is Santos FC’s nickname?
Its most common nickname is Peixe, which means “fish” in Portuguese.
What stadium does Santos FC use?
Santos FC plays at Estádio Urbano Caldeira, also known as Vila Belmiro.
How many Copa Libertadores titles has Santos won?
Santos FC has won the Copa Libertadores three times.
Why is Santos FC famous?
It is famous for its success in Brazilian football, its international titles, and for being the club most associated with Pelé.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santos_FC
    Supports: Founding date, location, honours, and general club profile.
  2. FootballHistory.org — https://www.footballhistory.org/club/santos.html
    Supports: Founding date, city, stadium, honours, and notable players.
  3. Santos Futebol Clube — https://www.santosfc.com.br/en/foundation/
    Supports: Official club foundation information and founders.