Neymar in tears as Santos suffers historic home humiliation

Brazil forward Neymar was seen leaving the field in tears on Sunday after Santos suffered an unprecedented 6-0 home defeat at the hands of Vasco da Gama. This monumental loss marks the biggest of Neymar's illustrious career and the first time the eight-time Brazilian champions have ever conceded six goals at home in a Serie A match.

The humiliating result plunged Santos further into crisis, leaving them just two points above the relegation zone. The club swiftly announced the sacking of coach Cleber Xavier hours after the game.

Adding insult to injury for Santos, former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward Philippe Coutinho was instrumental for Vasco da Gama, scoring twice. This emphatic victory was Vasco's first in six league games and their biggest league win in 17 years.

"I'm ashamed," a visibly distraught Neymar told reporters after the match. "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."

Neymar, who remains the world's most expensive footballer following his £200 million move to Paris Saint-Germain from Barcelona in 2017, returned to his boyhood club Santos in January after the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. He signed another six-month deal in June. Since rejoining Santos, he has scored six goals and provided three assists in 21 appearances across all competitions.

The emotional scene on Sunday was not the first time Neymar has left the field in tears since his return. He also suffered an injury 34 minutes into his first Serie A start of the season, subsequently missing five league games with a hamstring problem.

The recently sacked Cleber Xavier, 61, took charge of Santos at the end of April, having previously served as an assistant manager for several Brazilian clubs and the national team. Under his leadership, Santos won only five of his 15 games. The club now sits just two places above the relegation zone, while Vasco da Gama's comprehensive win lifted them out of the bottom four.

Santos had only just secured promotion back to the Brazilian top flight last November, spending a year in Serie B after suffering their first-ever relegation in the club's storied history. Their next challenge will be an away match against fourth-placed Bahia on Sunday, August 24.