Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr was reduced to tears after Santos suffered a humiliating 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama in a crucial Serie A relegation battle on Sunday.
The result, Santos’ heaviest loss in recent memory, leaves the club in deep trouble near the bottom of the table. Both sides entered the contest fighting for survival, but while Philippe Coutinho inspired Vasco with a standout performance, Neymar endured a night to forget.
The 32-year-old forward failed to make an impact and compounded his frustration by picking up his third yellow card of the season, ruling him out of Santos’ next league clash against Bahia. Overwhelmed at the final whistle, Neymar wept openly on the pitch before being consoled by head coach Fernando Diniz.
The defeat immediately cost head coach Cleber Xavier his job, as the club’s board announced his dismissal shortly after the final whistle. Santos remain on 21 points in 15th place, dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Neymar did not hold back his emotions. “I’m embarrassed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest… if they want to curse and insult us, they are in their right,” he said.
He added, “It’s an extreme shame. I had never experienced something like this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened. The tears were from anger, from everything. Honestly, it was total crap — that’s the reality.”
For Neymar, who has endured criticism over his Santos return, the crushing loss marks a painful low point in his career, while Vasco’s emphatic victory lifts their survival hopes.
