Santos was relegated to Serie B of Brazilian football for the first time in history, which generated acts of violence in the city and a very serious institutional crisis. To face this situation, the club will have a new president, Marcelo Texeira, who in one of his first measures announced that the 10 shirt that Pelé knew how to use will not be used while the team is in the second division.
“In the Paulista Championship we will be able to perform normally with the number 10 shirt, but in the Brazilian Championship, as long as we do not rise again to the top category, a level worthy of Pelé, we will not perform with the number 10 shirt,” stated Teixeira, who already presided over the institution in the past.
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The 10 was worn by the Venezuelan Jefferson Soteldo and in other stages it was worn by great figures such as Neymar, Robinho or Rodrygo. But she will always be symbolically tied to Pelé, who played for Santos, one of the most traditional clubs in Brazil, between 1956 and 1974.
“In memory and honor” of Pelé
“In his memory and in his honor, since this year we dedicated it to tributes to Pelé after his death (on December 29 of last year), we will continue with that mission. As long as we do not return (to the first division), Santos Fútbol Club will not wear the most glorious shirt in its history, the number 10,” Teixeira said.
Os primeiros momentos de Marcelo Teixeira após a sua eleição! pic.twitter.com/frkLx2Nwtb
— Santos FC (@SantosFC) December 9, 2023
“We need to be united from now on to have the opportunity to put Santos back at their level,” added the leader looking ahead to what is to come. Although it will have a special meaning, the temporary removal of O Rei’s number imitates something that is done in other sports, such as the NBA, to highlight some players who left an unmatched mark.
