New Delhi: Brazilian star Neymar Jr suffered the heaviest defeat of his career as his side lost 6-0 to Vasco da Gama. The defeat sparked immediate changes at the club with head coach Cleber Xavier being sacked.
The 33-year-old forward joined Santos earlier this year and was left devastated at full-time. Neymar broke down in tears on the pitch, later on consoled by backroom staff after a humiliating afternoon. The match turned out to be a nightmare for Santos as defeat brings them closer to relegation zone.
When football wants to finish you, it does so brutally… Neymar left the pitch in tears after a 6-0 defeat to Vasco da Gama, marking the biggest loss of his career. 💔 pic.twitter.com/LcwMz0M12y
— 11.19s (@Seny_jr) August 17, 2025
Coutinho shines as Vasco run riot
Vasco took the lead early through Lucas Piton before completely overpowering Santos. Coutinho, back in Brazilian football after a summer move from Aston Villa, scored a brace in the second half to pile on the misery. David Correa De Fonseca, Rayan and Danilo Neves also found the net to complete a result that stunned the home supporters.
For Vascos, the win was vital in their fight for survival. It moved them out of the relegation zone and within two points of Santos, who slipped close to the drop.
Neymar left shattered by historic defeat
The scale of the loss was too much for Neymar to contain. The Brazil star was visibly emotional and admitted he had never endured such a low moment in his career. After the match he told reporters, “I’m ashamed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without violence. If they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right.”
He added that his tears were born out of anger and frustration. “It’s a feeling of extreme shame. I’ve never experienced this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way. Anyway, it was total s-, that’s the reality.”
Santos take drastic step
The defeat left Santos just two points clear of the relegation zone, and the board acted quickly. Within hours, they announced the dismissal of Cleber Xavier releasing a statement wishing him well in his future career.
To make matters worse for Santos, Neymar picked up his third yellow card of the campaign, ruling him out of the next league fixture against Bahia. With the club spiraling and the pressure mounting, the road ahead looks turbulent both for Neymar and Santos.