Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat to Vasco da Gama in a historic thrashing at MorumBIS Stadium, marking the worst loss in the club’s Brasileirão history and the most humiliating moment of the star’s career. The Brazilian Serie A match on August 17 saw former teammate Philippe Coutinho score a brace, with Lucas Piton, David Fonseca, Rayan, and Danilo Neves completing the rout.
Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat, a sentiment echoed in his post-match comments, where he expressed profound shame and apologized to fans for the team’s dismal performance, prompting the immediate sacking of coach Cléber Xavier.
The match unfolded as a nightmare for Santos, who entered the game already struggling in 15th place. Vasco da Gama capitalized early with Piton’s opener in the first half, followed by a second-half onslaught led by Coutinho’s clinical finishing.
Santos’ defense collapsed, conceding six goals from nine shots on target, far exceeding Vasco’s 2.0 expected goals (xG). Neymar, wearing the captain’s armband, was visibly distraught, collapsing on the pitch at full-time and hiding his face in his shirt.
“It’s a feeling of extreme shame. I’ve never experienced this in my life,” he said, acknowledging fans’ rights to protest non-violently. The 53,000-strong crowd, expecting a Neymar masterclass, instead witnessed a historic low, with many voicing their frustration as Santos teetered just two points above the relegation zone.
The fallout was swift. Santos sacked Xavier, who had managed only five wins in 15 games since April, and rumors suggest Jorge Sampaoli, a former coach, may return.
The defeat, the worst in 98 years of Santos-Vasco clashes, exposed deeper issues within the club, which has struggled since Neymar’s return in January 2025 after an injury-plagued stint at Al Hilal.
His three goals in 11 matches this season have not stemmed the team’s slide, and a yellow card earned during the game for arguing with the referee now sidelines him for the next match, adding to the crisis.
Social media erupted trending globally on the scoreline. Fans shared clips of Neymar’s tearful exit, consoled by staff and Vasco’s coach Fernando Diniz, while others debated the team’s tactics.
One X post captured the mood: “Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat, and I’m crying too for Peixe.” Another highlighted a supportive message from Neymar’s son, Davi Lucca, urging him to use the loss as motivation. The defeat has reignited calls for structural changes at Santos, once home to Pelé, as fans demand accountability.
The loss underscores broader challenges in Brazilian football, where traditional giants like Santos face financial and competitive pressures. Vasco’s victory lifted them out of the relegation zone, showcasing their resurgence under Diniz.
For Neymar, the defeat is a personal blow as he aims to reclaim his spot in Brazil’s national team for the 2026 World Cup under Carlo Ancelotti.
As Santos regroups, the focus shifts to their next match without Neymar, with interim management tasked to stabilize the squad. The Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat moment has become a rallying cry for fans demanding better performances to avoid relegation.
The emotional weight of Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat reflects the stakes for a club steeped in history. His leadership will be tested as Santos navigates this crisis, with fans hopeful for a turnaround despite the setback.
This Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat narrative has also drawn sympathy, with supporters sharing messages of encouragement, urging him to lead the team’s recovery.
The loss, while devastating, could galvanize Santos if they harness Neymar’s passion.
Neymar Jr cries after Santos’ 0-6 defeat to Vasco da Gama marks a low point for the Brazilian star and his boyhood club. As Santos searches for a new coach and Neymar sits out, the road to redemption will test their resilience in a fiercely competitive Brasileirão.
