Neymar Breaks Down in Tears as Historic Defeat Delivers 'Biggest Embarrassment' of Career

When Neymar Jr. first encountered his boyhood companion Philippe Coutinho in a professional match, his Paris Saint-Germain side fell 1–0 to Bayern Munich in the 2020 Champions League final.

The pressure wasn't quite as intense when the duo met for their second encounter five years later in a Brazilian domestic fixture between two clubs fighting relegation, but once more an emotional Neymar found himself on the defeated side. This time, the margin was considerably more decisive.

Coutinho netted twice in Vasco da Gama's commanding 6–0 victory over Neymar's Santos this weekend. After composing himself, the 33-year-old called the thrashing "the most humiliating experience of my professional life." The numbers supported his claim. In his 738 previous senior matches, he had never endured such a crushing loss.

Neymar's former low point had actually come before one of his most memorable displays. Following a 4–0 defeat to PSG in a 2017 Champions League round-of-16 match, the unpredictable talent was instrumental in Barcelona's stunning 6–1 Camp Nou victory that completed an historic comeback.

PSG were so impressed by Neymar's showing that they notoriously made him football's most costly transfer that summer. Paradoxically, Coutinho moved to Barcelona as part of their unsuccessful effort to fill his fellow Brazilian's void.

Now back at Vasco following a disappointing latter phase of his career, Coutinho was unstoppable against Santos. Playing as one half of a dual false nine partnership with Nuno Moreira in Fernando Diniz's typically flexible formation, the ex-Liverpool creator caused chaos weaving through Santos' increasingly confused defensive structure.

Vasco managed six attempts and found the net five times during a devastating 17-minute spell early in the second period. The home supporters mockingly applauded the away team, who earned a well-deserved ovation when the final whistle sounded.

Neymar couldn't fault the hostile response. "The supporters have complete justification to voice their displeasure, clearly without aggression," he acknowledged. "But if they choose to criticize and berate us, that's their prerogative."

"It's disappointing to deliver such a performance wearing a Santos shirt," the declining attacker added. "Everyone needs to reflect on their intentions before they rest tonight."

Santos coach Cléber Xavier didn't get the opportunity to return home, much less retire for the evening, before the organization swiftly confirmed his dismissal.

It will be overshadowed by the chaos that ensued, but the outcome could have been entirely different. With Santos trailing by just one goal in the opening half, Neymar danced past Coutinho and threaded Guilherme into Vasco's penalty area. The Brazilian forward went down under challenge from Paulo Henrique to earn a spot kick, giving Neymar the opportunity to level the score. However, before the Santos captain could start his characteristic approach, VAR determined that Guilherme had been in an offside position.

This career-worst result arrives just before Neymar's anticipated comeback to the Brazil national squad. The nation's record male goalscorer was omitted from Carlo Ancelotti's initial selection in June to ensure complete rehabilitation from injury.

Neymar's Santos homecoming started promisingly. The injury-prone star assumed the captain's role and was directly involved in six goals across his opening seven matches, generating wild speculation about a potential Barcelona reunion this summer. Those unfounded rumors quickly faded as his typical injury problems resurfaced.

However, even at full strength, Neymar couldn't prevent the heaviest loss of his professional journey.