Neymar Reveals Why He Cried After Vasco da Gama Defeated Santos

Santos captain, Neymar says he felt “ashamed” after his side collapsed to a humiliating 6-0 home defeat against Vasco da Gama on Sunday, a result that has plunged the club deeper into crisis.

The Brazilian superstar, who returned to Santos earlier this year following his ill-fated move to Saudi Arabia, was left in tears after the final whistle at the Estádio do Morumbi. Vasco ran riot with goals from Piton, David, Rayan, Tchê Tchê and a brace from former Liverpool and Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

It was the heaviest defeat of Neymar’s career and the first time in history that Santos have conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match.

“We were so sh*t. It was a disgrace. The fans have the right to curse and insult people today,” Neymar said in an interview with The TouchlineX after the game. “I feel ashamed. I had never experienced anything like this in my life.”

He later added: “I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without using violence. But if they want to curse and insult, they’re in their right. To sum up our attitude on the field, it was terrible… it was total s***, that’s the reality.”

Neymar’s emotions reflected the gravity of the situation for Santos, who are now just two points above the relegation zone after winning only six of their opening 19 league matches.

The fallout was immediate. Barely half an hour after full-time, Santos confirmed the dismissal of head coach Cleber Xavier. In a terse statement, the club announced: “Santos FC announces the departure of coach Cleber Xavier. The club thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future career.”

Xavier, 61, had only been appointed in April and was in his first managerial role after years of serving as an assistant.