Brazilian superstar Neymar Jr was left in tears after suffering the heaviest defeat of his football career as Santos were thrashed 6-0 by Vasco da Gama in a decisive Serie A clash.
The heartbreaking result has pushed Santos closer to the relegation zone, sparking frustration, anger, and sweeping changes at the club.
The game was not just another league fixture it was a crucial relegation battle between two struggling sides.
However, Vasco, inspired by Philippe Coutinho’s standout performance, dominated from start to finish, leaving Santos humiliated.
Neymar, wearing the famous No. 10 shirt, was unable to make any impact on the match and eventually broke down in tears at full-time.
He had to be consoled by head coach Fernando Diniz as emotions boiled over.
Moreover, the night went from bad to worse for Neymar as he picked up his third yellow card of the season.
That booking means he will miss Santos’ next fixture against Bahia, a game that could prove pivotal in their survival fight.
Speaking after the game, Neymar did not hide his emotions.
“I’m embarrassed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance,” he told reporters.
“The fans have every right to protest, obviously without violence… But if they want to curse and insult us, they are in their right.”
The 32-year-old, visibly shaken, admitted he had never experienced such humiliation before in his career.
“It’s an extreme shame. I had never experienced something like this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened,” Neymar said.
Asked about the tears, the forward confessed:
“The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help at all. Honestly, it was total crap that’s the reality.”
The humiliating 6-0 defeat left Santos with just 21 points, placing them in 15th position and perilously close to the relegation zone.
Furthermore, the fallout was immediate. Santos’ board moved swiftly, dismissing head coach Cleber Xavier just minutes after the final whistle.
The decision highlighted the growing panic within the club as they face one of the most difficult moments in their history.
