Neymar said he was ashamed after Santos were thrashed 6-0 at home by Vasco da Gama on Sunday, a result that led to the departure of head coach Cléber Xavier. The defeat leaves Santos two points above the relegation zone in Brazil's Serie A.
Philippe Coutinho scored twice as Vasco netted five times in 16 second-half minutes in a one-sided rout. At full-time, home supporters turned their backs to the pitch in the latest protest against the club.
Neymar, who was in tears as he left the field, said: “I’m ashamed. I’m totally disappointed with our performance. I’ve never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything.” He added: “It’s a shame to play like that wearing the Santos jersey.”
Santos were relegated for the first time in their history in 2023 before returning to the top flight last season. The club re-signed Neymar, who came through their academy before joining Barcelona in 2013, on a short-term contract in January.
The 6-0 loss was the heaviest of Neymar's career. Santos dismissed Xavier, who took over in April in his first head-coach role, with the club on 21 points from 19 games. Vasco da Gama are two points behind them.
