Neymar Jr was seen leaving the field in tears following a crushing 6-0 defeat for Santos FC against Vasco Da Gama in a pivotal Brazilian top-flight league match. This result marked arguably the most humiliating loss of his professional career.
This monumental defeat was not only a career low for Neymar Jr but also a historic setback for Santos FC. Never before had the club conceded six goals in a Brazilian Serie A match, making this result particularly painful for the eight-time national champions. The match took place in the Brazilian league, a competition where Santos FC has historically been a dominant force.
Despite Santos FC’s storied history and the presence of a global superstar like Neymar Jr, the club currently finds itself struggling in the lower ranks of the league table, barely two points clear of the relegation zone. The immediate consequence of this devastating loss was the swift dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier, who was sacked just hours after the final whistle.
For Vasco Da Gama, the victory was a significant triumph. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, formerly of Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental, netting two goals during the encounter. His significant contribution propelled Vasco Da Gama to their first victory in six matches and secured the club’s largest winning margin in 17 years.
The match concluded with a profound sense of disappointment for Neymar Jr and the entire Santos squad. Fans voiced their frustration, protesting and demanding immediate solutions from the club’s management.
A visibly emotional Neymar Jr spoke to journalists after the game, expressing his dismay: “I have never seen this before in my life. Unfortunately, I can’t help with anything right now. I think everyone today should go home, sleep, and reflect on what happened, and what they want to do next.”
Neymar Jr, currently 33 years old, famously became the most expensive player in football history with his €222 million transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. He recently made a high-profile return to Santos FC for the new season, rejoining the club after terminating his contract with Al Hilal due to persistent injuries. Since his return midway through the season, Neymar has made 12 appearances, contributing significantly with six assists.
