Dec 2, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; Brazil’s Neymar is seen during the national anthem prior to the match against Cameroon during a group stage match during the 2022 World Cup at Lusail Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

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I Feel Ashamed: Neymar Left in Tears After Suffering Worst Defeat of His Career

Santos endured one of the darkest nights on Sunday after suffering a crushing 6-0 defeat to fellow relegation battlers Vasco da Gama in a decisive Serie A clash. The result not only deepens the club’s crisis but also marked the heaviest defeat of Neymar Jr’s career, leaving the Brazilian superstar devastated after the match.

Both sides entered the game desperately needing points to escape the drop, but it was Philippe Coutinho who rose to the occasion. The former Barcelona and Liverpool playmaker delivered a masterclass, leading Vasco to an emphatic win while Neymar struggled to make any sort of impact for his boyhood club.

The scale of the loss left Neymar inconsolable at full-time. In heartbreaking scenes, the No. 10 left the pitch in tears and had to be comforted by Vasco da Gama head coach Fernando Diniz.

Neymar left the pitch in tears after 6-0 defeat against Vasco de Gama.

Neymar’s biggest loss in his football career.

pic.twitter.com/PoDnTMvYli
— Ney (@Neycromancer) August 17, 2025

I Had Never Experienced Anything Like This in My Life: Neymar

To compound matters, Neymar also picked up his third yellow card of the campaign, ruling him out of Santos’ crucial upcoming fixture against Bahia. After the match, Neymar’s disappointment was written all over his face. He said,

“I feel ashamed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance. The fans have every right to protest, obviously without violence. But if they want to curse and insult us, they are in their right.”

“It’s an extreme shame. I had never experienced something like this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help at all. Honestly, it was total crap — that’s the reality.”

Also Read: Lionel Messi Nets Stunning Goal After Injury Return, Leads Inter Miami to 3–1 Win Over LA Galaxy

🚨🗣️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Neymar Jr: "We were so sh*t. It was a disgrace. The fans have the right to curse and insult people today. It's acceptable. I feel ashamed. I had never experienced anything like this in my life." pic.twitter.com/crDGNKBysa
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 18, 2025

The defeat leaves Santos on just 21 points from 15 matches, now sitting perilously in 15th place and only narrowly clear of the relegation zone. Off the pitch, the fallout was immediate and severe as head coach Cleber Xavier was dismissed by the board within hours of the final whistle. Once the pride of South American football and home to legends like Pele, Robinho and Neymar himself, Santos now face the stark reality of a relegation battle that threatens to drag them further into turmoil.

Neymar

Philippe Coutinho

Santos

Vasco da Gama

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.