Neymar in Tears as Santos Suffer Historic 6–0 Defeat, Coach Sacked Amid Relegation Fears

Brazilian football star Neymar was visibly emotional as he left the pitch in tears following Santos’ devastating 6–0 home loss to Vasco da Gama—marking the worst defeat of his professional career.

The crushing result set a grim record as the first time Santos has conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match. The defeat deepened the club’s ongoing crisis, leaving the eight-time champions just two points above the relegation zone.

In the aftermath of the loss, Santos sacked head coach Cleber Xavier, who had been in charge for only three months. Former Liverpool and Aston Villa attacker Philippe Coutinho scored twice in what became Vasco da Gama’s first league win in six matches—and their largest Serie A victory in 17 years.

A heartbroken Neymar didn’t hold back after the game. “I’m ashamed,” he said. “The fans have every right to protest—just not with violence. But if they want to insult or boo us, they’re within their rights. Our attitude today was terrible. I’ve never experienced anything like this in my career. My tears were from anger and frustration.”

Neymar, who rejoined his boyhood club in January following the termination of his contract with Al-Hilal, signed a six-month extension in June. Since his return, the 33-year-old forward has recorded six goals and three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions. He had previously missed five league games due to a hamstring injury sustained during his first Serie A start of the season.

Xavier, 61, had previously served as an assistant at both club and national levels before taking the Santos job. Under his leadership, the club managed only five wins in 15 games.

Santos, who only regained promotion to the top flight last November after their first-ever relegation, now sit just two places above the drop zone—one spot ahead of Vasco, who escaped the bottom four thanks to Sunday’s emphatic victory.

Santos’ next challenge will be an away match against fourth-placed Bahia on Sunday, August 24.