(AFP) – Brazil’s Chamber of Deputies will pay a special tribute to Santos FC today to mark the prestigious club’s 100th anniversary, Santos president Luis Alvaro de Oliveira Ribeiro said yesterday. “It will be an event to mark our 100 years,” he said in a statement posted on Santos website. “It’s a huge honour for Santos to be celebrated in this manner.”
The legislative tribute is to be attended by the Ribeiro, Vice President Odilio Rodrigues as well as club’s past and present stars, including the legendary Pele, Pepe and young prodigy Neymar.
The 20-year-old Neymar is considered the future star of Brazilian football and has been targeted by several European clubs, including Barcelona’s rivals Real Madrid.
Santos have won eight Brazilian championships and seven international titles, including three Copa Libertadores and two Intercontinental Cups.
The club was founded on April 14, 1912 at the initiative of three sports enthusiasts from the nearby port city of Santos.