Around 100 organized Santos fans invaded the Rei Pelé Training Center in Santos on the afternoon of August 19, 2025, protesting the 6-0 thrashing suffered against Vasco last Sunday in the Brazilian Championship. Led by Torcida Jovem, the protesters broke a parking lot gate, used fireworks, and shouted against the team and board, targeting Neymar. The number 10, joined by executive director Alexandre Mattos, spoke with the fans, stating, “We’re trying to change things.” The Military Police were called but the fans had already entered. The action reflects dissatisfaction with the team’s second-to-last place in the Brasileirão and its technical and financial crisis. The invasion occurred during the squad’s return to training after a day off, highlighting the pressure for immediate results.
The protest began around 2 p.m., with fans forcing entry through the parking lot. Banners with phrases like “Dead Squad” and chants of “Shameless team” marked the demonstration. Neymar, present at the CT, was the first to engage, trying to calm tensions.
- Main targets: Neymar, Alexandre Mattos, and president Marcelo Teixeira.
- Demands: Immediate performance improvement and greater team commitment.
- Context: Historic 6-0 thrashing by Vasco at Morumbis, with 54,474 spectators.
- Reaction: Training halted and tense atmosphere at CT Rei Pelé.
The conversation, recorded and shared on social media, showed Neymar asking for support but facing criticism for his suspension for the next game due to a yellow card received against Vasco.
Neymar and board’s response
Neymar, visibly shaken, tried to explain the team’s situation, emphasizing efforts to reverse the crisis. “We’re trying to change things, but we need support,” he said, according to fans present. His suspension for the Bahia match, due to a yellow card, fueled criticism, with fans questioning his leadership. Alexandre Mattos, executive director, also joined the dialogue, promising actions to improve performance but offering no specifics. The absence of president Marcelo Teixeira during the invasion drew criticism, with chants like “Marcelo Teixeira, you’re joking with this team!” echoing at the CT.
Santos is in a delicate moment, with coach Cleber Xavier sacked after the thrashing. Matheus Bachi, assistant coach, took over temporarily, but uncertainty about hiring a new manager increases pressure. The board is considering names like Jorge Sampaoli, but demands for reinforcements have stalled talks.
History of protests at CT Rei Pelé
Protests at CT Rei Pelé are not new. The passionate yet demanding relationship between fans and the club has seen similar episodes in times of crisis.
- 2018: Invasion after relegation to Série B, with fans confronting players and board.
- 2023: Protest after a 7-1 loss to Internacional, demanding changes.
- April 2025: Demonstration after a 2-1 defeat to Red Bull Bragantino.
- Current: Invasion after 6-0 Vasco thrashing, targeting Neymar and board.
These incidents reflect recurring fan frustration, especially from Torcida Jovem, which leads direct actions. In 2023, the group promised support after talks but demanded results, a pattern repeating now. Tuesday’s training disruption affected preparations for the Bahia match on Sunday at Fonte Nova.
Santos’ technical and financial crisis
The 6-0 thrashing by Vasco at Morumbis was Santos’ worst home defeat in the Brasileirão, surpassing previous heavy losses like 5-1. The match, marked by defensive errors and lack of finishing, exposed the squad’s weaknesses. Vasco’s Philippe Coutinho shone with two goals, overshadowing Neymar, who left the field in tears, calling the defeat “the greatest shame” of his career.
Santos sits 15th in the Brasileirão with 21 points, close to the relegation zone. Financial constraints limit signings, and the board struggles to attract an experienced coach. Marcelo Teixeira’s management, back in 2024, faces criticism for unfulfilled restructuring promises.
- Defensive issues: Team conceded five goals in 17 minutes in the second half against Vasco.
- No coach: Cleber Xavier sacked, Matheus Bachi interim.
- Financial limits: Struggles to sign reinforcements and a new coach.
- Fan pressure: Demands for immediate results to avoid relegation.
The hashtag #SantosFC trended in Brazil on Tuesday, with fans split between supporting the protest and criticizing the invasion. Some praised the fans’ passion, while others noted it could harm team preparation.
Social media and fan impact
The CT Rei Pelé invasion sparked major buzz on social media, with videos of Neymar’s conversation with fans going viral. Santos supporters expressed mixed feelings, with many calling for unity between players and fans but warning that patience is running out.
- X reactions: Fans shared protest videos, criticizing Neymar and praising Torcida Jovem.
- Memes: The Vasco thrashing fueled jokes about the “humiliation” and Coutinho’s performance.
- Board criticism: Teixeira’s absence and delay in hiring a coach were targeted.
- Conditional support: Some fans promise backing if performance improves.
The lack of an official club statement reinforces perceptions of disorganization. Meanwhile, fans keep pressing for changes, demanding signings and greater squad commitment.
Preparation for the next match
Santos has a free week to train before facing Bahia on Sunday in the 21st Brasileirão round. Without Neymar, suspended, Matheus Bachi must reorganize the team amid the crisis. Players like Léo Godoy and João Schmidt, also protest targets, need to show a reaction on the pitch.
- Absence: Neymar serves an automatic suspension for a yellow card.
- Interim: Matheus Bachi leads training until a new coach is confirmed.
- Opponent: Bahia at Fonte Nova, a crucial match to escape the crisis.
- Priorities: Defensive adjustments and better finishing.
Despite the frustration, fans hold hope for a recovery but demand immediate results. The training week will be critical for Santos’ future in the championship.
