At the final whistle at the MorumBIS stadium on 17/8, Neymar wept and was consoled by a member of the Santos coaching staff. As he headed towards the tunnel, the 33-year-old repeatedly wiped his tears with his shirt. Vasco da Gama coach, Fernando Diniz, also embraced Neymar to offer comfort.
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Neymar cried after Santos lost 6-0 to Vasco da Gama in the Brazilian Championship on the evening of 17/8. Photo: *Marca* |
"This is humiliating, a shameful match. I am completely disappointed with the team's performance. The fans have the right to protest, even to be upset, as long as they don't resort to violence. I've never experienced this in my life," Neymar said tearfully, before leaving the Morumbis stadium with his shirt pulled over his face.
The 33-year-old found solace in his family. On Instagram, Neymar shared a touching message from his son, Davi Lucca: "Dad, you are my idol, my inspiration. Don't see today's defeat as a setback, but as motivation to be better tomorrow. You are a wonderful person, never forget that."
Santos conceded only one goal in the first half, from Lucas Piton's shot in the 18th minute. But in the second half, Santos collapsed, allowing Vasco da Gama to score 5 goals in 16 minutes, with goals from David Fonseca, Philippe Coutinho (two goals), Rayan (penalty), and Danilo Neves.
For the first time in 98 years of rivalry, Santos lost to Vasco da Gama by six goals, also their worst home defeat in the domestic league.
Immediately after the match, Santos announced the termination of coach Cleber Xavier's contract. Santos is currently 15th with 21 points, just two points above the relegation zone. In their next match, Neymar and his teammates will visit Bahia on 24/8.
In nearly two decades at the top level, Neymar has experienced his share of bitter defeats, but the 6-0 loss to Vasco truly marked a low point in his career. At Santos, in addition to the historic loss, he also experienced a 4-0 defeat to Corinthians in the 2011 Paulista Championship.
While playing in Spain, Neymar and Barca lost 4-1 to Celta Vigo in La Liga in 2015, and suffered heavy defeats in the Champions League against Juventus (3-0) and PSG (4-0).
While playing for PSG, the Brazilian forward was part of a 7-1 defeat to Lille in Ligue 1 in 2022. Neymar also witnessed the classic comeback when PSG lost 3-1 to Man Utd at Parc des Princes, resulting in their elimination from the 2019 Champions League.
At the national team level, Brazil's most painful memory is the 7-1 defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final. Although Neymar missed that match due to injury, it remains a scar on his international career.
Hong Duy (*Marca*)
