Brazil legend Neymar left the field in floods of tears last night, as he saw his Santos team dismantled 6-0, with a former Liverpool star netting twice.
The 33-year-old joined boyhood club Santos on a free deal at the start of the year in an attempt to recover form and fitness ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Neymar is eyeing a return to play for his country, having become the nation's record goalscorer with 79 strikes, but hasn’t featured for the Canarinho since late 2023.
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The former Barcelona star endured a torrid time with injuries since his £75million move to Al Hilal two years ago.
Neymar was spotted leaving the field in tears after the hammering
|GETTY
The iconic winger made just seven appearances for the Saudi club during his 18-month spell, with the club ultimately allowing him to return to his home country on a free transfer representing one of the worst financial deals in footballing history.
The Brazilian has rediscovered some form and fitness during his time back in Sao Paulo, making 19 appearances and scoring six times.
But last night marked the lowest point of his return, and his career, as he suffered a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Vasco da Gama, led by none other than Philippe Coutinho.
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Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Philippe Coutinho scored twice as his Vasco da Gama put six past a helpless Santos
|GETTY
Coutinho, who moved to Barcelona for an astonishing £142m after Neymar left the club to join PSG in a world-record £198m deal, scored twice as he put Neymar’s Santos to the sword.
After the game, Neymar could be seen in tears and said he was “ashamed” of his side’s performance.
The 128-capped Brazilian, who played the full 90 minutes and captained the side, said: “I’m ashamed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance.
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“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**t, that's the reality.
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Finalmente o Neymar conseguiu o Hexa! 😭pic.twitter.com/CemK0JE6OI
— NewsColina (@newscolina) August 17, 2025
"You have to explain our attitude on the field. Which, to sum it all up, was terrible," Neymar added to Brazilian media.
"It's a shame to play like that wearing the Santos jersey. I think everyone today needs to lay their head on their pillow, go home, and think about what they want to do.
"Because with today's attitude, if we have to do what we did today on the field, I don't think we even need to show up on Wednesday."
Santos now see themselves just two points above the relegation zone, with head coach Cleber Xavier sacked just hours after the final whistle.
The club, who have iconic status in Brazil with players such as Pele, Neymar, Robinho and Rodrygo coming through the ranks, were relegated to the second division for the first time in their history in 2023.
Last season saw the club promoted back to the Serie A, but the iconic club are now verging on relegation once more, with four teams dropping down from the 20-team league.