MALANG - Arema FC’s head coach, Marcos Santos, has become the talk of the football community in Malang following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Super League season.
Behind the success of the Singo Edan squad in surviving a challenging campaign to finish mid-table, the Brazilian coach revealed the story of his loyalty, having once turned down offers to leave Malang in order to complete the season with the team.
Now, while returning to his hometown and awaiting confirmation of a contract extension from Arema FC’s management, the 47-year-old coach has also openly backed his home country, Brazil, to lift the trophy in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Here’s the full story:
Marcos Santos admitted that he had rejected several offers to leave midway through the season so he could stand by the team through tough times, eventually guiding them to a ninth-place finish with 48 points.
The final result did not come easily, as Arema FC had to overcome numerous challenges, including injury crises, inconsistent performances, and the loss of key players.
Despite that, Singo Edan managed to close the season on a positive note in mid-table.
This achievement helped the squad gradually rediscover their fighting spirit.
Throughout the difficult journey, Marcos Santos emerged as a central figure of admiration.
It wasn’t just his tactical vision on the pitch that drew attention, but also his loyalty and determination to stay committed amid adversity.
“For me, it’s an honour to start and finish the season with Arema FC,” said the Brazilian coach, as quoted from ileague.id on Monday (1 June 2026).
Marcos shared that he learned many valuable lessons during his time in Indonesia.
In his view, working with Arema FC was not only about football but also about life values.
“Those of us who come from abroad learn a lot from you in Indonesia — humility and simplicity,” he added.
He further revealed that he had actually received offers to leave mid-season, but he chose to stay and finish what he had started with the team.
“This is hard work, a tough job. We brought back the Arema spirit. It was very difficult, but the players gave their all,” said Santos.
Now that the season has officially ended, the 47-year-old coach has returned to Brazil, waiting for a decision from the club’s management regarding his future in Malang.
Marcos has made no secret of his desire to continue his work with the Singo Edan squad.
He believes that Arema FC holds a special emotional bond unlike any other football club.
“Amen, I hope that will happen. I want to thank Boss Iwan, the entire management, Inal, Oye, and Claudio for their incredible work,” said the coach.
“Arema is more than just a team; it’s a family that represents Malang City. In Brazil, Arema is like Corinthians or Palmeiras — clubs that must always fight at the top,” he concluded.
Aside from his hopes for Arema, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is just around the corner.
The grand football event is scheduled to kick off on 9 June 2026.
As the tournament approaches, many have begun predicting which nation will emerge as champion.
Marcos Santos, too, did not hold back in expressing his prediction — he is backing Brazil to win the 2026 World Cup.
“Of course, I’ll support Brazil. Brazil will win,” said Marcos after leading Arema FC to a 3-1 victory over PSIM Yogyakarta in their final Super League 2025/2026 match on Friday (22 May 2026).
With a cheerful expression, the Brazilian coach seemed confident in his prediction.
Understandably so, as the 46-year-old was born in Brazil and strongly believes the Seleção will bring home the World Cup trophy this year.
Joking with reporters, Marcos said he would have fully supported Indonesia if the Garuda squad had managed to qualify for the tournament.
Unfortunately, Indonesia’s national team failed to reach the final round after suffering defeat in the fourth round of the Asian Qualifiers.
“If Indonesia had qualified for the World Cup, of course, I’d support Indonesia. But since they didn’t, I’ll support Brazil,” he joked during the post-match press conference.
Under Carlo Ancelotti’s management, Brazil enters the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico with high confidence.
The former AC Milan and Real Madrid coach has selected 26 players for his squad.
Among the most notable names is the phenomenal Neymar, who has been recalled to strengthen the Seleção.
Reports indicate that Neymar will once again wear the iconic number 10 jersey that has long symbolized his presence in the national team.
In the group stage, Brazil has been drawn into Group C alongside Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti.
The Seleção will open their campaign on 14 June 2026 against Morocco, followed by a second match on 20 June 2026 versus Haiti, and conclude the group stage on 25 June 2026 against Scotland.
On paper, Brazil’s squad depth makes them strong favourites to dominate the group.
The team also features several European-based stars including Vinicius Jr, Raphinha, and Marquinhos, who recently helped PSG secure the Champions League title this season.
With such a powerful lineup, Carlo Ancelotti carries the ambition to reclaim the World Cup trophy for Brazil — something the nation last achieved 24 years ago.
Back in 2002, in Japan and South Korea, Brazil triumphed over Germany 2-0 in the final, led by a legendary squad featuring stars such as Ronaldo and Rivaldo.
