Santos lit all the alarms after suffering a 6–0 loss to Vasco da Gama, a crushing result that left the club only two points away from the relegation zone. The humiliation was even harder to digest because Neymar broke down in tears on the field, a moment that immediately became the symbol of the team’s struggles.
Just days later, the Torcida Jovem, Santos’ most influential fan group, confronted the squad at the Rei Pelé Training Center, demanding accountability. The tense moment saw Neymar step forward to lead the discussion, standing in front of his teammates in an attempt to calm tensions.
Santos lit all the alarms after suffering a 6–0 loss to Vasco da Gama, a crushing result that left the club only two points away from the relegation zone. The humiliation was even harder to digest because Neymar broke down in tears on the field, a moment that immediately became the symbol of the team’s struggles.
Just days later, the Torcida Jovem, Santos’ most influential fan group, confronted the squad at the Rei Pelé Training Center, demanding accountability. The tense moment saw Neymar step forward to lead the discussion, standing in front of his teammates in an attempt to calm tensions.
Santos’ struggles in the league
Currently, Santos sits 15th in the Série A table, just two points above the relegation zone (currently occupied by Vitória) and only three points away from a spot in the 2026 Copa Sudamericana. The inconsistency has made it nearly impossible for the club to find stability, as every game feels like a battle for survival.
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Video: Neymar shows heartbreaking reaction to Santos’ humiliating defeat to Vasco da Gama
The devastating loss to Vasco — a direct rival in the fight to avoid relegation — exposed not only defensive weaknesses but also a lack of unity and leadership on the field. The pressure on the players, and especially Neymar, is now at its highest level since his return to the club.
Managerial shake-up and the search for solutions
The situation became so dire that Santos decided to part ways with head coach Cleber Xavier. Fans and board members alike are calling for a proven leader, and one name stands above the rest: Jorge Sampaoli.
The Argentine manager, who already left his mark at Santos in the past, is the top candidate to take over. During the crushing defeat against Vasco, supporters even chanted Sampaoli’s name, making it clear who they want guiding the team out of this nightmare.
For Neymar and Santos, the coming weeks will be crucial. The Peixe must find stability quickly, or what began as a painful defeat could turn into a full-blown relegation battle.
