Three Giants in Crisis: The Dilemma of São Paulo, Corinthians and Santos

The state of São Paulo football is far from what it used to be. Three powerhouse teams, with incredible histories and a list of titles that would make anyone cry with emotion, now find themselves in a delicate situation, burdened by heavy debts and facing an uncertain future. This drama is unfolding with very few matches left until the end of the season to avoid relegation to Série B of the Brazilian Championship.

São Paulo: An Endless Crisis

São Paulo took a hard blow after being eliminated from the Copa Sul-Americana, at home, after drawing 1 with 1 with Boca Juniors at the Morumbi, following a loss of 1 to 0 at the Bombonera. The tricolor’s situation could not be more worrying: they are facing a chaotic administrative crisis, piling up astronomical debts and corruption investigations involving former executives and even the club’s former president.

Questionable Signings

Signings made in previous years brought more problems than solutions. Players such as Daniel Alves, James Rodriguez—who left the tricolor looking like a complete clown—and Oscar, who ran into health problems and couldn’t play, cost a lot and contributed to the club’s financial hole.

• Beyond them, various gambles on mediocre players produced no positive results on the pitch.

Currently, São Paulo are on 33 points, just five above the relegation zone. The situation is critical: with 12 matches left, every win is a crucial step in avoiding Série B.

Corinthians: One Worse Than the Other

If São Paulo’s situation is delicate, Corinthians isn’t much better. Timão has been going through a terrible stretch in recent matches, racking up five straight defeats in the league. In addition, they were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores after losing 1 to 0 against Estudiantes at the Neo Química Arena. And to make matters even worse, Memphis Depay missed a penalty that could have changed the match!

High Debts

In the Brasileirão, they have only 32 points, four more than the Z-4, meaning they are also in danger. And to round out the list of problems, the club carries a monstrous debt close to R$ 3 billion. Although Memphis helped win titles in 2024 and 2025, his high cost and the controversy surrounding his contract renewal are turning into a burden.

Santos: The Last to Laugh?

Santos seems to be in a somewhat more comfortable position in the league, with a few recent wins, but it is also facing its own upheavals. The team, which once was synonymous with star players, now finds itself trapped by the figure of a single player: Neymar.

Accumulated Debts

The alvinegro were eliminated from the Copa Sul-Americana on penalties by Atlético-MG, and the atmosphere isn’t favorable. After disrespecting their own fans and players, Neymar brings with him a trail of heavy debts from signings he suggested. Players such as Rodinei, Lima, Everton Cebolinha, Arthur, and Philippe Coutinho have salaries that Santos simply can no longer afford.

Although they are the team in the best form of the three, a drop now would be catastrophic, and the hope of winning the Libertadores is almost gone.

An Uncertain Future

This is the dilemma faced by three Brazilian football giants. While all of them fight against their own crises, the question remains: how long will these historic clubs be able to stay strong? The fight is not new, and with each championship they keep facing the same challenge. The only thing left to know is who will manage to rise up and leave the past behind!