Neymar Jr. endured a profoundly disappointing evening, visibly leaving the field in tears following Santos FC’s crushing 6-0 defeat to Vasco Da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A. This monumental loss marked what many are calling one of the most embarrassing failures in the superstar’s storied career and certainly the heaviest defeat he has experienced during his time at Santos FC.
The result was particularly shocking as Santos, an eight-time winner of the national championship, conceded six goals – a rare occurrence for clubs in the Brazilian Série A, especially against a direct rival. This disastrous performance pushed Santos FC further into a precarious position, with the club now hovering just two points above the relegation zone, despite the presence of Neymar Jr. in their squad. The immediate aftermath saw swift repercussions, as head coach Cleber Xavier was promptly dismissed by the club just hours after the final whistle.
On the other side, Vasco Da Gama celebrated a significant victory. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, a former player for both Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental, contributing two crucial goals. This emphatic win was Vasco Da Gama’s first in their last six matches and represented the club’s largest margin of victory in 17 years, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign.
For Neymar Jr. and the entire Santos squad, the match ended in palpable disappointment. The performance sparked widespread protests from fans demanding immediate solutions for the club’s struggles. Reflecting on the devastating outcome, Neymar Jr. told journalists after the game, “I have never seen this before in my life. This, unfortunately, means I can’t help anything. I think everyone today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened and what they want to do next.”
The 33-year-old forward, famously the subject of the most expensive transfer in football history when he moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017, had recently returned to Santos FC. His return came after an injury-plagued stint with Al Hilal led to the termination of his contract. Since rejoining Santos mid-season, Neymar has made 12 appearances, registering six assists. However, this latest result casts a significant shadow over his impactful return.
