Inspired by the dazzling talents of Pele, Zito, Pepe and Coutinho to name just a few, Santos hold a strong claim to the title of possessing the first great Copa Libertadores team.

Once the golden era of the 1960s ended, however, the club had to wait for the good times to return.

After decades of under-achievement, the Peixe finally began to establish themselves back among Brazil and the continent’s elite this century, culminating in further Copa glory in 2011 as they ended a run of 48 years without picking up the coveted trophy.