Neymar left the pitch in tears following a crushing 6-0 loss for Santos against Vasco da Gama — the heaviest defeat of his career and a historic low for the club, who had never before conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match.
The result has left Santos dangerously close to the relegation zone, sitting just two points above the drop. In the aftermath of the defeat, head coach Cleber Xavier was relieved of his duties.
Former Premier League attacker Philippe Coutinho scored twice in what became Vasco’s first league win in six matches — and their most emphatic victory in 17 years.
“I feel ashamed,” Neymar said after the match. “I’m deeply disappointed in our performance. The fans are right to be upset, as long as their protests remain non-violent. If they want to shout at us or criticize, they absolutely have that right.”
Describing the team’s approach on the field as “terrible,” Neymar admitted the emotion he showed was born from frustration. “I’ve never experienced anything like this before. The tears were from anger, from feeling helpless. I can’t do it all alone. Every player needs to go home and really think about what they want to contribute.”
Neymar, who rejoined Santos in January after parting ways with Saudi club Al-Hilal, returned to the team where he began his professional career. The 33-year-old forward signed a six-month contract extension in June and has so far contributed six goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.
His comeback has been marred by injuries, including a hamstring issue that sidelined him for five league matches. He was visibly emotional after being forced off just 34 minutes into his first Serie A start this season.
Xavier, who was appointed in April following assistant roles at various clubs and with the Brazil national team, managed only five wins in 15 games. The heavy loss dropped Santos to just two spots above the relegation places — ironically, just above Vasco, who moved out of the bottom four thanks to their dominant performance.
Santos were only promoted back to the Brazilian top tier last November, following their first-ever relegation and a year in Serie B.
They will next face fourth-placed Bahia away on Sunday, 24 August.
ALSO READ : Why Manchester United’s Defeat to Arsenal Still Shows Positive Signs
For comments, Feedback and Opinions do get in touch with our editor on WhatsApp: +44 7949 297606 or Email: editor@thezimbabwetimes.co.zw.
