Neymar Jr. was visibly distraught as he walked off the pitch following Santos FC’s devastating 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama in Brazil’s top-tier league, Serie A. The result marked what has been described as one of the most embarrassing failures in the superstar’s illustrious career and a historic low for the club.
The comprehensive defeat saw Santos concede six goals, a rare occurrence for a team of its stature in the Brazilian league. Despite being an eight-time national champion, Santos FC currently finds itself in a precarious position, lingering in the distant lower half of the table with a narrow two-point margin from the relegation zone. This struggle persists even with Neymar Jr., one of the world’s most recognizable football talents, on their roster.
The immediate aftermath of the humiliating loss saw swift action from the club, with head coach Cleber Xavier being relieved of his duties just hours after the final whistle. The pressure on the team and its management is now at an all-time high.
In stark contrast, Vasco da Gama celebrated a significant triumph. Midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who has previously featured for European giants Liverpool and Aston Villa, was instrumental in their victory, contributing two crucial goals. This emphatic win was Vasco’s first in their last six matches and represents the club’s largest margin of victory in 17 years, providing a much-needed boost.
For Neymar Jr., the match concluded in profound disappointment, reflecting the collective despair within the entire Santos squad. Many frustrated fans have voiced their protests, demanding urgent solutions for the struggling club. Speaking to journalists after the game, an emotional Neymar expressed his shock: “I have never seen this before in my life. This is unfortunate, and 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.”
The 33-year-old forward, who famously became the subject of football’s most expensive transfer in 2017 when he moved from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for EUR 222 million, had recently returned to Santos FC. His return came after his contract with Al Hilal was terminated due to recurring injuries. Playing for Santos through the mid-season, Neymar has made 12 appearances, contributing significantly with 6 goals and 6 assists to date.
