Football superstar Neymar Jr. was seen walking off the field in tears following Santos FC’s devastating 6-0 defeat to Vasco Da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league. This monumental loss is being widely described as one of the most embarrassing failures in the forward’s illustrious career and marks a grim milestone for Santos FC, as it’s reportedly the first time the club has conceded six goals in a Brazilian Serie A match.
Santos FC, an eight-time champion of Brazil’s premier football league, is currently enduring a challenging season. Despite having a player of Neymar Jr.’s caliber in their squad, the team finds itself in a precarious position, hovering near the relegation zone with only a two-point cushion.
The immediate aftermath of the crushing defeat saw swift action from the club, with coach Cleber Xavier being dismissed just hours after the final whistle. The humiliation also sparked protests among the fanbase, with many demanding immediate solutions from the club’s leadership.
For Vasco Da Gama, the victory was a significant achievement. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, a former player for European giants Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental in their success, contributing two goals to the tally. This dominant performance not only secured Vasco Da Gama’s first victory in their last six matches but also represented their largest win in 17 years, providing a much-needed boost to their campaign.
Neymar Jr. himself expressed profound disappointment after the game, reflecting the sentiments of the entire squad. In an emotional statement to journalists following the match, he remarked, “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.”
Now 33 years old, Neymar Jr. holds the record for the most expensive transfer in football history, a EUR 222 million move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017. He recently made a much-anticipated return to his boyhood club, Santos FC, this season after terminating his contract with Saudi club Al Hilal due to recurring injuries. Since his return, Neymar Jr. has featured in 12 matches for Santos FC, contributing six assists to the team’s efforts.
