August 18, 2025, will be a day Santos fans would rather forget, as the club experienced one of its most catastrophic defeats in recent history. Vasco da Gama emphatically defeated Santos 6-0 at the Estádio do Morumbi, marking the worst loss of Neymar’s career and leaving the legendary Brazilian forward visibly shaken and in tears.
Santos, despite having Neymar as captain and star, was overwhelmed from the start. Lucas Piton put Vasco ahead early, while Philippe Coutinho, a former teammate of Neymar’s at Brazil’s national team, delivered a standout performance by scoring twice in the second half. Additional goals from David Correa De Fonseca, Rayan, and Danilo Neves contributed to the humiliating result that not only shattered the team’s morale but also worsened their precarious position in the league standings.
Speaking after the game, an emotional Neymar did not mince words, labeling the performance a “disgrace” and expressing profound shame. “We were so sh*t. It was a disgrace. The fans have the right to curse and insult people today,” Neymar said. “It’s acceptable. I feel ashamed. I had never experienced anything like this in my life.” His honesty reflected the deep disappointment that permeated the squad and its supporters alike.
The defeat has sent shockwaves through Santos’ management, leading to the immediate dismissal of head coach Cléber Xavier. The club released a statement thanking Xavier for his service and wishing him well in future endeavors.
This devastating loss leaves Santos teetering dangerously near the relegation zone, sitting 15th in the Brazilian Serie A with 21 points after 19 matches. The team now faces a critical fixture against Bahia as it looks to regroup and avoid further decline.
For Neymar, who returned to his boyhood club earlier this year after a stint with Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, the result is a painful blow amid a challenging season. Despite his individual contributions of six goals and three assists, the collective failure on the pitch is a dark moment for both the player and the club.
As Santos confronts this crisis, fans and players alike hope for a swift recovery and a return to the proud traditions that once made Santos a powerhouse in Brazilian football.
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