Santos, Brazil — August 2025 — Neymar Jr. endured one of the most difficult nights of his career as Santos suffered a humiliating 6-0 home defeat to Vasco de Gama in the Brasileirão.
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| Neymar Jr in Tears |
The match saw a dramatic display of fan frustration, with thousands of Santos supporters turning their backs on the field in protest. The heavy loss, marked by five goals conceded within a shocking ten-minute span, left Neymar visibly emotional. Cameras captured the Brazilian star crying, later clarifying that his tears were born out of anger and helplessness.
“I cried because I was angry… I felt helpless. The fans have every right to protest, to curse, to insult — as long as there is no violence,” Neymar said after the game.
A Nightmare Return for Neymar
Since returning to Santos — the club where he began his career before moving to Barcelona and PSG — Neymar has struggled to meet expectations. In 21 appearances, he has registered six goals and three assists, far below the impact fans had hoped for.
Santos now sits just two points above the relegation zone, fighting to avoid another disastrous drop after suffering relegation for the first time in club history last year.
Coutinho Shines, Santos Manager Fired
Former Brazil teammate Philippe Coutinho scored twice during the rout, further adding to Santos’ misery. In the aftermath, the club announced the dismissal of manager Cleber Xavier, who failed to turn around the team’s struggling form.
Fan Discontent at Boiling Point
The protest of Santos fans, turning their backs en masse during the match, symbolized growing disillusionment. Many blame Neymar’s lack of consistency, the team’s defensive fragility, and poor management for the club’s decline.
For Neymar, once hailed as Santos’ golden boy, the emotional scenes marked a bitter reminder of the pressures of returning home as the team’s talisman.
FAQ's
Q1. Why was Neymar crying after the Santos vs. Vasco match?
Neymar cried out of anger and frustration, saying he felt helpless as Santos collapsed to a 6-0 defeat.
Q2. How bad is Santos’ situation in the Brasileirao?
Santos is hovering just two points above the relegation zone, with fans fearing back-to-back years in the second division.
Q3. How has Neymar performed since returning to Santos?
In 21 games, Neymar has scored six goals and provided three assists, a disappointing return for a player of his stature.
Q4. What happened to Santos’ coach after the defeat?
Manager Cleber Xavier was fired immediately after the 6-0 loss to Vasco.
Q5. Who stood out for Vasco de Gama in the 6-0 win?
Philippe Coutinho scored twice during the game, leading the charge in the shocking ten-minute, five-goal blitz.
