Peixe is going through one of the worst moments in its history in recent years, and all that remains for the fans is to remember the glorious past. On this same May 13, but 14 years ago, the Alvinegro Praiano became three-time Paulista champions after defeating Guarani in the grand final.
Wearing their white Nike kit, featuring the orange sponsorship of the now-defunct BMG across the chest, Peixe won the first leg at Morumbi 3-0, with a brace from Neymar and another goal from Ganso, and secured the title with an emphatic 4-2 victory in the second leg, once again at São Paulo’s stadium, thanks to two more goals from Neymar and two from Alan Kardec.
One thing has not changed since that era: Santos still holds the upper hand over Guarani in head-to-head matchups. Since the second leg of the 2012 final, the teams have faced each other nine times, and Bugre has won only once. Of the remaining matches, Peixe won five.
On the other hand, Alvinegro Praiano could not maintain that golden period. After the 2012 Paulistão title, Peixe won the state championship again in 2014 and 2016, before going eight years without lifting a trophy, until winning Série B in 2024. And if they won the second division, it means the club had been relegated a year earlier, in 2023, suffering the first relegation in its history.
Neymar returned to Vila Belmiro in 2025 after a serious knee injury, but physical and off-field issues overshadowed the star’s comeback. Since last year, he has recorded 41 matches, 17 goals, seven assists, and at least 32 missed games due to injuries.
