Santos acted swiftly on Thursday, announcing Cuca’s reappointment as head coach just hours after parting ways with Juan Pablo Vojvoda.
The club, which features Neymar, confirmed that Cuca’s contract will run until the end of 2026. This will be his fourth stint at Vila Belmiro, having previously managed the team in 2008, 2018, and from 2020 to 2021.
Santos decided to terminate Vojvoda’s contract following a 2-1 loss to Internacional at home on Wednesday night, just seven months after his appointment.
In that match, Neymar contributed to an equalizer following an early own goal, but a last-minute strike from Johan Carbonero left Santos only a point clear of the relegation zone.
Vojvoda’s dismissal was announced almost immediately after the match—he did not even have the opportunity to participate in the post-game press conference.
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Vojvoda took over from Cleber Xavier as Santos’ manager in August of last year, when the club was just two points above the relegation zone. He managed to achieve a minor improvement, leading the team to finish in 12th place.
However, this season has been tough, with Santos securing only four wins and six losses across their 15 matches in all competitions.
The past five games have resulted in just one victory, alongside an exit from the Campeonato Paulista at the hands of second-tier side Novorizontino.