Club Santos Suffers 6-0 Defeat, Neymar Breaks Down in Tears

Brazilian football star Neymar experienced one of the biggest defeats of his career as his club Santos lost 6-0 to Vasco da Gama. This loss marked the first time Santos conceded six goals at home in the Brazilian Serie A.

Neymar had to leave the field in the 34th minute due to an injury and subsequently missed the next five league matches because of a hamstring problem. After the match, Neymar broke down in tears, saying, “I am embarrassed. Our performance on the field was terrible. Fans have the right to express their displeasure, but without violence.”

Former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho played a key role in Vasco’s victory, scoring two goals. This was Vasco’s first win in six league matches and their biggest league victory in 17 years.

Following the loss and the team’s poor performance, Santos coach Kleber Xavier was immediately dismissed. The 61-year-old Xavier had taken charge in late April, under whom Santos managed only five wins in 15 matches.

Currently, Santos sits just above the relegation zone, two points ahead of the teams below, while Vasco’s win lifted them from fourth place.

Neymar joined Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017 for £200 million. In January of this year, he ended his contract with Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and returned to his childhood club Santos. So far, he has scored six goals and provided three assists in 21 matches.

Santos will face fourth-placed Bahia in their next match on Sunday, August 24.