Santos gave the world Pelé and the wondrous Santástico side, and have kept producing brilliance ever since. These are the ten greatest to play for O Peixe.

1. 1

   Pelé

   Santos · Brazil

   The club’s and, for many, the game’s greatest player, and the heart of the Santástico side.

2. 2

   Coutinho

   Santos · Brazil

   Pelé’s telepathic strike partner and a prolific goalscorer in his own right.

3. 3

   Pepe

   Santos · Brazil

   A legendary left-winger and free-kick specialist of the great teams.

4. 4

   Neymar

   Santos · Brazil

   A modern idol who fired the club to the 2011 Copa Libertadores.

5. 5

   Carlos Alberto

   Santos · Brazil

   A magnificent attacking right-back and future World Cup-winning captain.

6. 6

   Zito

   Santos · Brazil

   A commanding midfield general and a two-time World Cup winner.

7. 7

   Gilmar

   Santos · Brazil

   A superb goalkeeper of the great side and Brazil’s World Cup winners.

8. 8

   Clodoaldo

   Santos · Brazil

   A graceful midfielder and a hero of Brazil’s 1970 World Cup triumph.

9. 9

   Robinho

   Santos · Brazil

   A dazzling homegrown talent whose dribbling thrilled a new generation.

10. 10

    Diego

    Santos · Brazil

    A brilliant young playmaker of the club’s title-winning side of 2002.

A LeaguePaper editorial ranking — opinion, offered for argument.