Neymar Jr was visibly distraught, leaving the field in tears following Santos FC’s devastating 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama. This crushing defeat in the Brazilian Serie A has been widely described as one of the most embarrassing moments of his illustrious career and a significant low point for the storied club.
The monumental loss saw Santos concede six goals, a rare occurrence for the team, especially when competing in the top flight of Brazilian football. Santos FC, an eight-time national champion, currently finds itself in a precarious position near the bottom of the league table, despite the presence of a global superstar like Neymar Jr within their squad.
The immediate aftermath of the match brought swift consequences, with head coach Cleber Xavier being relieved of his duties just hours after the final whistle. The defeat against Vasco da Gama, a team battling its own struggles, further exacerbated the crisis at Santos, prompting urgent calls for change from the club’s hierarchy.
For Vasco da Gama, the victory was historic and a much-needed boost. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who previously played for prominent European clubs like 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 Vasco da Gama’s largest winning margin in 17 years, adding to the significance of the result.
Neymar Jr’s profound disappointment was palpable and reflected the mood of the entire team and the club’s passionate fanbase. Supporters have expressed their frustration, protesting and demanding immediate solutions from the club’s management. In a candid statement to journalists after the match, Neymar Jr conveyed his despair: “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 and what they want to do next.”
Neymar Jr had recently returned to Santos FC, rejoining the club after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Al Hilal due to recurring injuries. Since his return midway through the season, Neymar has made 12 appearances for Santos, notably contributing with 6 assists to his teammates.
