Neymar Breaks Down in Tears: 250th Santos Game Turns into the Most Humiliating Defeat of His Career

A night of history turned into a nightmare. Neymar’s milestone 250th appearance for Santos ended in a crushing 0–6 home defeat against Vasco da Gama — the heaviest loss of his career.

A Bitter Homecoming

After a lucrative yet turbulent stint in Saudi Arabia, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos earlier this year. The comeback was supposed to reignite passion and deliver a sense of closure to a career already filled with drama and glory. Instead, injuries delayed his start, and consistency only arrived in July when he finally began stringing together full 90-minute performances.

While goals have not been flowing, Neymar has looked more emotionally invested in Santos than he ever did during his brief spell at Al Hilal. That emotion was on full display on the weekend when Santos collapsed 0–6 at home to Vasco da Gama. His former Brazil and Barcelona teammate Philippe Coutinho scored twice against him, adding a cruel twist of fate.

Standings and Fallout

The humiliating result left Santos sitting 15th in the Brasileirão table with 21 points, just two clear of Vasco in 16th. When the sixth goal went in, Santos supporters turned their backs on the pitch in protest. The post-match fallout was swift: head coach Kleber Xavier was dismissed immediately.

The Emotional Breaking Point

The match carried double weight for Neymar. It was not only his 250th appearance for Santos but also the worst defeat of his career. At the final whistle, the 32-year-old collapsed on the turf, sobbing uncontrollably. Teammates and staff tried to console him, but he remained inconsolable for several minutes before walking off the pitch in tears.

The scene was a stark contrast to Neymar’s words earlier this summer when he told reporters: “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.” On this night, however, the burden of responsibility to his childhood club seemed overwhelming.

A Summer of Fire and Fury

Neymar’s Statistics in the Brazilian Série A This Season

Since his July return, Neymar’s Santos chapter has already been packed with controversy:

• July 17 – scored his first Brasileirão goal since returning, sealing a win over Flamengo.
• July 20 – clashed with opposition fans during a game against Mirassol, responding with angry gestures.
• July 24 – celebrated a goal that was later disallowed, then argued with supporters post-match.
• Early August – scored a brace against Juventude in a 3–1 victory but stormed out of a mixed-zone interview after declaring: “I don’t need to prove anything to anyone.”

In just over a month back in Brazil, Neymar has generated more headlines — good and bad — than during his 18-month stay in Saudi Arabia.

What Comes Next?

Despite speculation before the Club World Cup about whether Neymar would stay, the forward has committed his immediate future to Santos. The humiliating defeat against Vasco may yet prove a turning point.

For a player who has often been accused of chasing luxury over legacy, his tears at Vila Belmiro showed one thing clearly: Neymar still cares deeply about Santos. Whether he can help lift the team back up and restore the faith of the fans remains to be seen.

Published by Patrick Jane
18.08.2025