Brazilian football superstar Neymar Jr endured a profoundly disappointing evening, leaving the field in tears following Santos FC’s crushing 6-0 defeat to Vasco Da Gama in the top-tier Brazilian league. This monumental loss has been described by many as the most embarrassing failure in Neymar’s illustrious career.
For both Neymar Jr and Santos FC, this result marks a significant low point. It was the first time in his tenure at Santos that the team conceded such a high number of goals in a single match, a rare occurrence for clubs competing in the Brazilian Serie A.
Santos FC, an eight-time champion of the top Brazilian league, currently finds itself in a precarious position, lingering near the relegation zone with a mere two-point buffer, despite the presence of a player of Neymar Jr’s caliber. The immediate aftermath of the devastating loss saw coach Cleber Xavier promptly dismissed from his role at the club, mere hours after the final whistle.
On the other side of the pitch, Vasco Da Gama celebrated a historic victory. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, formerly of Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental, contributing two goals to secure his team’s first win in their last six matches. This commanding performance also marked the club’s largest victory in 17 years.
The match concluded amidst strong disappointment for the entire Santos squad and its fanbase. Numerous supporters voiced their frustration, demanding urgent solutions for the struggling club. A visibly distraught Neymar Jr addressed journalists after the game, stating, “I have never seen this before in my life. Unfortunately, I can’t help anything. I think everyone today should go home and sleep, thinking about what happened today and what they want to do next.”
Neymar Jr, reportedly 33 years old, holds the distinction of being involved in the most expensive transfer in football history, moving from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for €222 million in 2017. His return to Santos FC for the new season followed the termination of his contract with Al Hilal, largely due to a series of recurring injuries. Since rejoining the club mid-season, Neymar has made 12 appearances, contributing 6 goals and 3 assists to his team’s efforts.
