Brazilian icon Neymar was left in tears after suffering the heaviest defeat of his career on Sunday night.
The forward, 33, rejoined boyhood club Santos earlier this year after a nightmare 18-month spell at Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal where he was riddled by injuries.
Neymar has had a mixed impact back in his homeland, scoring six goals and adding three assists in 19 games, but Santos are 15th in the Brazilian top flight and just two points clear of the relegation zone.
And on Sunday, things reached a nadir for Neymar as Santos were beaten 6-0 by Vasco da Gama.
The defeat was the biggest of the Brazilian’s career and came after former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho scored twice for Vasco.
Neymar was subsequently overcome with emotion at full-time and was consoled on the pitch by a member of the club’s coaching staff.
Neymar was left in tears on Sunday after he suffered the heaviest defeat of his career
The Brazilian was overcome with emotion after Santos were beaten 6-0 by Vasco da Gama
As he then headed towards the tunnel, the 33-year-old could be seen in tears which he was forced to wipe away with his shirt.
The previous heaviest loss of his career came back in September 2015 when Barcelona were beaten 4-1 by Celta Vigo in LaLiga.
Following his emotional outburst, Neymar was extremely strong in his assessment of Santos’ performance while he explained why he was crying.
‘I’m ashamed,’ Neymar said. ‘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.’
‘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.’
In the immediate aftermath of the dire defeat, Santos then sacked their head coach Cleber Xavier as they attempt to rescue their season.
Neymar has scored six goals and added three assists in 19 games since returning to Santos
Former Liverpool star Philippe Coutinho scored a brace in Vasco’s thrashing on Sunday
Neymar, who is Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, initially rejoined Santos on a short-term deal in January, with the forward expressing his aim to retain top form ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
He subsequently extended his contract until the end of the year in June, with the option for a further six months.
At the time, club president Marcelo Teixeira claimed Neymar’s return to his boyhood club had resulted in significant commercial benefits for the club alongside record-breaking social media growth.
He added: ‘Our idol, our boy, the prince with our number 10 shirt, remains.’
Santos are now just two points clear of Vasco following the heavy defeat and are next in action on Sunday when they travel to Bahia.
