Neymar Jr was visibly distraught, leaving the field in tears following Santos FC’s devastating 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league. This crushing defeat marks one of the most significant and difficult moments in the decorated player’s career, attracting widespread attention and concern.
The match saw Santos FC concede an astonishing six goals, a rare and historically embarrassing occurrence for the club, particularly in the highly competitive Brazilian Serie A. For a team that proudly boasts eight national championships, this result represents a stark and unexpected setback. It is reportedly the first time in Neymar Jr’s career with Santos FC that his team has suffered such a heavy defeat, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the thrashing.
Despite the presence of a player of Neymar Jr’s caliber, Santos FC currently finds itself in a precarious position within the league standings, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone with only a two-point margin separating them from the immediate danger. The immediate aftermath of the loss saw swift repercussions, with head coach Cleber Xavier being relieved of his duties by the club just hours after the final whistle, underscoring the severity of the situation.
On the other side of the pitch, Vasco da Gama celebrated a monumental victory. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, a player with a notable career at prominent European clubs like Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental in their triumph, contributing two goals to his team’s impressive tally. This decisive win was not only Vasco da Gama’s first in six matches but also marked the club’s largest victory in 17 years, adding to the bitter taste of defeat for Santos and its supporters.
The game concluded amidst widespread disappointment, not just from the players but also from the club’s fervent fanbase, many of whom voiced their protests and demanded immediate solutions. A visibly emotional Neymar Jr addressed journalists after the match, offering a candid reflection: “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 do they want to do next.” His words underscored the severity of the situation and the introspection required by the team.
The 33-year-old superstar recently returned to Santos FC for the new season after terminating his contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal due to frequent injuries. Neymar Jr is famously known for his record-breaking transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, a deal valued at an astounding EUR 222 million, making him the most expensive player in football history at the time. Since rejoining Santos FC midway through the current season, he has made 12 appearances, contributing six assists to the team’s efforts.
