What happens when a football legend meets one of the most humiliating defeats of his career? That’s the tragic tale coming from the Santos FC camp, where the shockwaves of a 6-0 loss to Vasco da Gama led to the immediate dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier, leaving star player Neymar visibly shaken and in tears on the pitch.

The Santos Futebol Clube, a name once synonymous with football greatness, now finds itself dangerously teetering on the edge of relegation in the Brasileirao. This storied Brazilian club, known for its rich history and legendary players like Pele, faced a catastrophic defeat that not only impacted their standings but also struck at the very heart of their identity.

Neymar, who returned to Santos in January after an underwhelming spell in Saudi Arabia, had high hopes for his boyhood club. But after this disastrous match, which saw Vasco’s Philippe Coutinho score not once but twice, Neymar was left reflecting on what went wrong. The 33-year-old forward, who had renewed his contract just a few months ago, expressed his frustration, stating, “You have to explain our attitude on the field. Which, to sum it all up, was terrible.”

It’s a bittersweet moment when a club that once basked in the glory of 10 state and six national titles is now grappling to stay afloat in the top tier of Brazilian football. Xavier, 61, who was brought in after serving as an assistant manager at various clubs including Palmeiras and Flamengo, leaves Santos sitting in 15th place with only 21 points from 19 matches, just above the relegation zone.

In a statement, Santos announced Xavier's departure, thanking him for his service and wishing him luck in his future endeavors. But this isn’t just a coaching change; it’s a reflection of the turbulent times Santos has endured since their first-ever relegation last year, showing just how far the mighty have fallen.

As Neymar walked off the pitch, tears streaming down his face, one couldn’t help but feel the weight of the moment. The loss marked not only the biggest defeat of his career but also a stark reality check for a club struggling to reclaim its place among Brazil's elite. With the next match against fourth-placed Bahia looming, Neymar and his teammates will need to do some serious soul-searching if they hope to turn their fortunes around.

Football can be a merciless game, and for Santos FC, the time for reflection is now. Will they rise to the challenge, or will this be just another chapter in their long saga of struggle?