Playing at their home stadium, Morumbi, Neymar and his teammates were expected to put on a strong performance. Vasco Da Gama is one of the teams battling with Santos to avoid relegation. However, what unfolded was a disaster.
In the first half, Santos conceded only one goal, a strike from Lucas Piton in the 18th minute. But in the second half, the home side completely collapsed, conceding goals to David Fonseca, Philippe Coutinho (two goals), Rayan (penalty), and Danilo Neves. All of this happened in just 16 minutes, from the 52nd to the 68th.
This was Santos' worst defeat of the 2025 season.
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Neymar sits weeping after Santos' 0-6 loss to Vasco Da Gama in the Brazilian Championship on the evening of 17/8. Photo: Globo |
Neymar sits weeping after Santos' 0-6 loss to Vasco Da Gama in the Brazilian Championship on the evening of 17/8. Photo: Globo
After the final whistle, Neymar broke down in tears. After being consoled by some teammates and coaching staff, the 33-year-old superstar regained his composure and went into the locker room.
Santos is currently 15th in the league with 21 points after 19 matches, only two points above the relegation zone. Vasco Da Gama sits just below them with 19 points, having played one less game. Shortly after the devastating loss, Santos announced the dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier.
Santos recently returned to the top tier of Brazilian football. Besides aiming to help the team avoid relegation, Neymar also wants to perform well to earn a spot back on the Brazil national team for the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar rejoined Santos in February, playing 21 matches, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Recently, the former Brazilian national team player has regained his form and fitness, playing the full 90 minutes in seven consecutive matches and scoring three goals.
Before returning to Santos, Neymar scored 136 goals during his first stint with the club, 105 goals for Barca, 118 goals for PSG, and a record 79 goals for the Brazil national team. His career highlights include winning the treble in the 2014-2015 season with Barca, five Ligue 1 titles with PSG, and an Olympic gold medal in 2016 with the Brazil U23+3 team.
Thanh Quy
