Neymar's Emotional Departure as Santos Faces Devastating 6-0 Loss
Brazilian forward Neymar left the field in tears following Santos' staggering 6-0 defeat at home to Vasco da Gama.
This loss marks the largest of Neymar's career and represents the first time Santos has conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match.
The eight-time champions now find themselves just two points above the relegation zone, prompting the dismissal of coach Cleber Xavier just hours after the match on Sunday.
Philippe Coutinho, a former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward, scored twice to help Vasco secure their first victory in six league games, achieving their biggest league win in 17 years.
“I’m ashamed,” Neymar expressed. “I’m completely disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without resorting to violence. If they wish to express their frustration verbally, they have that right. Our attitude on the field was simply unacceptable.”
Neymar continued, “I have never experienced anything like this in my life. The tears were a result of anger and frustration. Unfortunately, I cannot change everything.”
“Everyone needs to reflect on what they want to do moving forward,” he added.
Despite the disappointing match, Neymar remains the world's most expensive footballer, having joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona for £200 million in 2017. He returned to his boyhood club in January after his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal was terminated.
The 33-year-old signed a new six-month deal in June and has since netted six goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions since rejoining Santos.
Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer suffered an injury just 34 minutes into his first Serie A start of the season, causing him to miss the subsequent five league games due to a hamstring issue.
Coach Xavier, 61, took over at the end of April after previously serving as an assistant manager at various Brazilian clubs and the national team. Under his leadership, Santos won five of the 15 matches, leaving them precariously close to the relegation zone, just one position above Vasco, who climbed out of the bottom four with their recent victory.
Santos secured promotion back to Brazil's top flight last November after spending a year in Serie B, following their first-ever relegation. Their next match is scheduled away against fourth-placed Bahia on Sunday, August 24.