Brazilian football star Neymar Jr. was seen leaving the field in evident distress after Santos FC suffered a devastating 6-0 defeat against Vasco Da Gama in a match from Brazil’s top-flight league. This shocking result marked one of the most significant and humiliating failures of his career, as well as a severe setback for his club.
For both Neymar Jr. and Santos FC, this resounding loss was unprecedented. It was reportedly the first time the club had conceded as many as six goals in Brazil’s top-tier football league, the Brasileirão Série A. Santos FC, a historically significant club boasting eight national league titles, currently finds itself struggling in the league standings, positioned in a distant area of the table with only a two-point margin, despite having Neymar Jr. as a key member of their squad.
The immediate consequence of this crushing defeat was the swift dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier, who was relieved of his duties by the club within hours of the final whistle. The widespread disappointment extended beyond the pitch, as numerous fans voiced their frustration and demanded immediate solutions from the club’s management.
For the victors, Vasco Da Gama, this match marked a significant triumph. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, a player with experience at clubs like Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental in their success, contributing two crucial goals. This emphatic victory was Vasco Da Gama’s first in their last six matches and represented the club’s largest win in an impressive 17 years.
A visibly emotional Neymar Jr. spoke to journalists at the conclusion of the match, conveying his deep frustration: “I have never seen this before in my life. Unfortunately, I can’t help anything. I think everyone today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened today, and what they want to do next.”
Neymar Jr., 33 years old, holds the distinction of being the subject of the most expensive transfer in football history, moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017. For the current season, Neymar had returned to the Santos FC club after disconnecting his contract with Al Hilal due to frequent injuries. In his appearances for Santos FC over the mid-season, he had participated in a total of 12 matches, contributing 6 assists to his teammates.
