Football superstar Neymar Jr. was seen leaving the field in tears following Santos FC’s crushing 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama in a recent Brazilian Serie A match. This result marks one of the most significant and emotionally impactful defeats in the forward’s professional career.
The game concluded with a scoreline that few at Santos FC had ever witnessed, as the club conceded six goals – a rare occurrence in their extensive history in Brazil’s top flight. This overwhelming defeat is particularly jarring for a team with the pedigree of Santos, an eight-time Brazilian national champion, highlighting the depth of their current struggles.
Despite the presence of Neymar Jr., Santos FC currently finds itself precariously close to the relegation zone, separated by just two points from safety. The aftermath of this humiliating loss was swift, with head coach Cleber Xavier reportedly dismissed from his position within hours of the final whistle, underscoring the severity of the club’s predicament.
Vasco da Gama, on the other hand, celebrated a monumental victory. Their midfielder, Philippe Coutinho, formerly of Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental in the triumph, contributing two goals. This performance helped secure Vasco da Gama’s first win in their last six matches and marked their largest victory margin in 17 years, providing a much-needed boost for the team.
For Neymar Jr. and his teammates, the match ended in profound disappointment, a sentiment echoed by the club’s fan base. Many supporters expressed their frustration and demanded immediate solutions from the club’s management.
Reflecting on the painful experience, Neymar Jr. reportedly told journalists after the game, “I have never seen this before in my life. This, unfortunately, I can’t help anything. I think all today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened today, and what they want to do next.”
Neymar Jr. made a highly anticipated return to Santos FC for the new season after an injury-plagued stint with Al Hilal. He is widely recognized as having been the subject of football’s most expensive transfer in history, moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for EUR 222 million in 2017. Since rejoining Santos FC, he has made 12 appearances, contributing to a total of 6 goals during his time back with the club.
