Neymar Jr. was visibly distraught, leaving the field in tears after Santos FC suffered a devastating 6-0 loss to Vasco Da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league. This monumental defeat is being described as one of the most embarrassing of Neymar Jr.’s professional career, marking the first time a Santos FC team with him in the squad has conceded six goals in a single league match.
Santos FC, a club historically renowned for its eight Brazilian Serie A titles, currently finds itself struggling near the bottom of the league standings, with only a two-point cushion from the relegation zone. The magnitude of this loss has amplified concerns among fans and club management alike. The immediate aftermath saw swift repercussions, as head coach Cleber Xavier was dismissed by the club just hours following the final whistle, underscoring the severity of the result.
For Vasco Da Gama, this resounding victory was a significant turnaround. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, on loan from Aston Villa and formerly of Liverpool, was instrumental, contributing two crucial goals to secure his team’s first win in their last six matches. This triumph also marked the club’s largest victory in 17 years, providing a much-needed boost for their campaign.
The match concluded with profound disappointment for Neymar Jr. and the entire Santos squad. Fans expressed their frustration vocally, protesting and demanding immediate solutions from the club’s leadership. Neymar Jr. himself addressed reporters after the game, stating, “I have never seen this before in my life. This, unfortunately, I can’t help with anything. I think everyone today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened today, and what they want to do next.”
The 33-year-old forward, famously known as the most expensive player in football history following his €222 million transfer from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, recently made his return to Santos FC. His return came after his contract with Al Hilal was terminated due to recurring injuries. Despite the club’s struggles, Neymar Jr. has made a notable impact since rejoining mid-season, featuring in 12 total appearances, scoring 6 goals, and providing 6 assists.
