Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr was visibly distraught, leaving the field in tears following a humiliating 6-0 defeat for Santos FC against Vasco Da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league. The comprehensive loss marked arguably the most embarrassing failure of Neymar’s professional career and was the first time Santos FC had conceded six goals in a single match in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A, a truly unprecedented result for the storied club.
Despite being an eight-time national champion, Santos FC currently finds itself precariously close to the relegation zone, holding a slim two-point advantage. The presence of a player of Neymar Jr’s caliber in the squad made the defeat even more shocking. In immediate response to the crushing loss, head coach Cleber Xavier was promptly relieved of his duties by the club within hours of the final whistle.
For Vasco Da Gama, the victory was a monumental achievement. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who previously played for top European clubs like Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental, netting two goals. This emphatic win not only secured Vasco’s first victory in their last six matches but also represented the club’s largest winning margin in 17 years, making it a historic night for them.
Neymar Jr’s profound disappointment mirrored that of the entire team and the club’s frustrated fanbase, many of whom have publicly protested, demanding immediate solutions from the club’s management. Reflecting on the devastating result, Neymar shared his candid thoughts with reporters after the match: “I have never seen this before in my life. This, unfortunately, I can’t help anything. I think all of us today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened and what we want to do next.”
The 33-year-old Neymar Jr, famously involved in the most expensive transfer in football history when he moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017, recently returned to Santos FC. His return came after terminating his contract with Al Hilal, following a period plagued by frequent injuries. Since rejoining his boyhood club midway through the current season, Neymar has made 12 appearances, registering six assists in his efforts to bolster the team.
