Who are the best Santos players of all time? One of Brazil’s most popular football clubs, Santos FC is renowned for its Joga Bonito philosophy and hosting some of football’s greatest ever stars.
Santos’ “Os Santásticos” during the 1960’s is considered one of the greatest eras of any football club’s history which you’ll see across our list among others. Here the ten best Santos players ever:
10. Gilmar
The Os Santásticos were one of the greatest eras of any football team in history. From the back between the sticks was two-time World Cup winner Gilmar, who joined Santos in 1961 after a decade with Corinthians.
With Gilmar between the posts, Santos did it all. Thanks to his stunning reflexes and his unflappability in any circumstance, Santos went on to win won five Serie A titles, and both the Copa Libertadores and Intercontinental Cup twice.
9. Dorval
Gilmars teammate and right winger Dorval is one of the best Santos players ever, helping form one of the best attacks ever seen and scoring 194 goals in 612 matches for the club.
A creative genius and scoring phenomenon, Dorval could also play as an attacking midfielder or second striker and was capped 13 times for the Brazilian national team.
8. Carlos Alberto Torres
Carlos Albero Torres too was a part of the famed Os Santásticos and he’s quite possibly the greatest fullback in football history. A technically gifted phenom, he was a rock solid defender and an attacking maestro.
Through 445 games for Santos, Carlos Alberto scored 40 goals, and was an exceptional leader hence the crowning of his nickname “O Capitão do Tri” after captaining Brazil to winning the 1970 World Cup.
7. Clodoaldo
You’ve guessed it, another player starring in the Os Santásticos golden generation. This time it’s World Cup winning defensive midfielder Clodoaldo. This guy was an excellent tackler and an accurate passer.
Clodoaldo was pivotal in midfield for over a decade, featuring in 510 games and even scoring 13 times. Earning the nickname “Corró”, which translates to “run” says it all as he was the engine
6. Pepe
You had Pelé up front, Dorval on the right and then another one of the best Santos players ever in Pepe on the left wing. A two-time World Cup winner, his left foot was devastating and he was a big part of Os Santásticos.
In an era where defenders maliciously targeted him, the combination of Pepe’s left foot and intelligence pushed him up into second of all time for goals for Santos. In 750 games he scored 405 goals to sit only behind Pelé.
5. Robinho
Finally a Santos player in our list who wasn’t part of Os Santásticos. Pelé himself targeted a 12-year old Robinho as his heir apparent and he’d arrive at their youth club in 2002.
Robinho featured in seven seasons for Santos, demonstrating his flair, speed, and technical ability. Although he may not have lived up to initial expectations, he was of the most exciting players of his era and helped the club to two league titles prior to a move to Real Madrid.
4. Neymar
Before Neymar became one of the best PSG players and cost them €489 million across six seasons, he joined Santos before he was a teenager and excelled through the club’s youth system.
Making his professional debut as a 17-year old, Neymar took his dazzling performances to new heights with his unbelievable dribbling, pace and playmaking. His greatest achievement was helping the club win the Copa Libertadores for the first time in nearly 50 years.
3. Zito
Zito was a crucial part of Santos’ success during the 1950s and 60s. The midfielder was known for his exceptional passing, vision, and leadership on the pitch and was captain of the Os Santásticos team from the late 50s.
The commanding presence of Zito helped Santos to 22 major trophies, anchoring the midfield by winning back possession and setting the tempo of games. A two-time World Cup winner, he would remain at the club for 15 years.
2. Coutinho
Coutinho played for Santos from 1958 to 1968 and in 1970, periods during which Santos won five Brazil Cups and six Campeonato Paulista titles, two Copa Libertadores, and two Intercontinental Cups.
Second on the list of best Santos players ever, Coutinho scored 368 goals in 457 games for the club. Together with Pele, the pair formed one of the most lethal combinations in football history with 1649 goals in all competitions.
1. Pelé
Pelé is to many the greatest footballer of all time, and best Santos player in history. He started his professional career with the club at just 15 years old. He scored so many goals it’s up for debate but most agree he scored 1,281 goals in 1,363 matches.
The leader of the Os Santásticos, Pelé was agile, ambidextrous and could anticipate his opponents moves which is why he was so good, helping guide the club to six Serie A titles.