Esporte Clube Água Santa

Esporte Clube Água Santa is a club from Greater São Paulo that surprised Brazilian football by competing in the 2023 Campeonato Paulista final. Representing Diadema, the club is one of the most remarkable examples of rising through the ranks in ABC Paulista football.

History

Founded in 1959 in Diadema, in Greater São Paulo, Água Santa spent most of its existence in the lower divisions of São Paulo football, being an institution beloved by the local community but unknown to the general public. The club's turning point came in the 21st century, when investments and more professional management raised the technical level of the squad. The most impactful historical moment came in 2023, when Água Santa competed in the Campeonato Paulista final — the biggest state competition in the country. The surprising campaign, which included victories over major clubs throughout the tournament, ended with defeat to Palmeiras in the final, but put the club's name across Brazil. The feat of Netuno became marked as one of the biggest surprises in recent São Paulo football and elevated the pride of the Diadema fan base.