In-form Melbourne Victory forward Santos opens up ahead of derby night

Fresh life has been breathed into Melbourne Victory’s season – and this Brazilian is a big part of the reason why. He opens up on his move to Australia ahead of the derby on Saturday night.

Melbourne Victory's Santos. Picture: Getty Images

He loves a goal, but he loves a celebration even more.

Meet Clarismario Santos, the Brazilian winger whose hot run of form is turning Victory’s fortunes around ahead of the Melbourne derby on Saturday night.

The Victory went through a difficult period across the holiday season, but 23-year-old Santos was beginning to find his groove.

“It wasn’t an easy start because I had to adjust to moving to a completely new and unknown country and climate,” Santos told Code Sports.

Santos has found his touch at Victory. Picture: Getty Images

“I also wasn’t able to do the pre-season with the team so I needed to learn quickly, but over time, I was able to adapt to the way we play and now I’m finding my best form on the pitch.”

After no goal contributions in his first 11 appearances at the club, Santos has scored three and assisted once in his last six games.

He has played a vital role in helping Victory to three wins in their last four, and he loves to put on a show in the process.

The athletic Santos often reels out a backflip after netting a goal in front of his adoring fans.

But there’s a little bit more meaning behind the exuberant celebrations.

“We love our fans and interacting with them is special, not just with Victory but it is part of my culture in Brazil,” he said.

Santos celebrates with a backflip

“I always like to take it wherever I am and bring that part of who I am to the pitch.”

Despite being a long way from his country of origin, Santos is feeling at home in Melbourne.

He admits the language difference has been a challenge – this interview was translated from Portuguese to English – but improvement has been made.

“The team helped me a lot with the adjustment,” he said.

“In the beginning, honestly, I didn’t understand almost anything.

“But with time, everything got better and it’s a lot easier now.”

Currently on a one-year deal, Santos hopes he can extend his stay at the club.

“I’m very happy here, I hope I can help this team for much longer if the opportunity presents itself,” he said.

The set up play: impressive. The assist: magic. The goal celebration: EXCELLENT 🤩🔥

Santos brings out the backflip and the away bay of travelling @gomvfc fans are loving every minute 🙌

Watch #PERvMVC live and exclusive NOW on Paramount+ 📺 pic.twitter.com/oPpaeBorNn

— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) February 1, 2025

As they did in December, Victory and City enter the derby in third and fourth place on the A-League Men table and the stakes are sky high.

A win for either club would see them claim a place in the top three, while a loss could result in a fall as low as seventh by the end of the weekend.

Santos is hungry to continue Victory’s winning form on a big stage, with the hope it can lead to something more at the end of the season.

“I’ve had the opportunity to play two derbies now and to see and feel the rivalry. They are the big games that I love to play in,” he said.

Santos is playing his third Melbourne derby on Saturday night. Picture: Getty Images

“I always give one hundred, two hundred per cent each game every week regardless of the opponent. But we all love the big occasions.

“We will continue working hard every day to achieve our goals, which includes the Championship.”

And can we expect to see a backflip if the showman finds the back of the net on Saturday night?

“Of course!”

Originally published as In-form Melbourne Victory forward Santos opens up ahead of derby night