Neymar has had mixed fortunes since returning to old club Santos, but what happened on August 17 was a low not just for his time in Brazil, but perhaps his whole career.
The former Barcelona forward was helpless to prevent Santos from being destroyed by Vasco da Gama in a result that prompted fan protests and saw the head coach sacked within hours of the final whistle.
Neymar was seen in tears on the field after having seen another former Barca star, Philippe Coutinho, orchestrate Vasco’s biggest league win for nearly two decades.
The Sporting News looks at what happened to cause Neymar’s reaction and what, if anything, this might mean for his longer-term future at the club.
MORE: The story of Neymar’s ill-fated pursuit of the Ballon d’Or
Why was Neymar crying?
Neymar left the field in tears after Santos were defeated 6-0 at home by Vasco da Gama on Sunday, August 17. It was the heaviest defeat the Brazilian forward has suffered in his career.
The result, which marked the first time Santos had conceded six goals at home in a Brasileirao game, left the team just two points above the relegation zone after 19 matches. Vasco are actually a place below them in the standings.
Head coach Cleber Xavier was sacked in the hours after the result, one with which Neymar struggled to come to terms.
Speaking after the match, he said, as per BBC Sport: “I’m totally disappointed with our game.
“The fans have the right to protest in all sorts of ways, obviously without physical violence. But cursing and insulting people today is perfectly acceptable. I feel incredibly ashamed; I’ve never experienced anything like this in my life.
“I’m crying out of anger, at everything. Unfortunately, I can’t help in every way. Today was terrible, that’s the reality.”
Former Liverpool and Barcelona star Coutinho scored twice for Vasco, who had failed to win any of their previous six league games.
Will Neymar stay at Santos?
Neymar’s contract with Santos runs until December 2025, at which point a decision will have to be made over whether to extend terms again or seek a move elsewhere.
The 33-year-old said he was motivated to “fulfil the dreams that are missing in my career” after re-signing for his boyhood club following the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal.
Will Neymar play at the 2026 World Cup?
Neymar’s intention certainly seems to be to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The forward is Brazil’s all-time record goal-scorer and has played 128 times for the national team since his debut in 2010.
It was anticipated that Neymar might be called up for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June, but he was left out of the roster by new head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who said he was wary of taking risks with the player after he had recently suffered a muscle injury.
Neymar has not played for his national team since October 2023, when he suffered a terrible knee injury that left him sidelined for the best part of a year.
