Neymar cries after Santos is defeated by Aston Villa

18-Aug-2025

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It was the biggest loss of Neymar's career and it was also the first time that Santos have conceded six goals at home in a Brazilian Serie A match on August 17.

Santos the eight-time champions are two points above the relegation zone. Following the loss Santos coach Cleber Xavier after the game.

Philippe Coutinho former Liverpool and Aston Villa forward scored twice as Vasco claimed their first win in six league games and their biggest league win in 17 years.

Neymar said “I'm ashamed and 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.

Added Neymar, "I've never experienced this in my life. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can't help in every way.

"I think everyone today needs to go home and think about what they want to do."

Neymar remains the world's most expensive footballer, joining Paris St-Germain from Barcelona for £200m in 2017, and he returned to his boyhood club in January after the termination of his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.

Neymar signed another six-month deal in June and since rejoining Santos has claimed six goals and three assists from 21 games in all competitions.

The creative footballer and Brazil’s all time leading goal scorer left the left the ground in tears after injury in his first Serie A start of the season, before missing the next five league games with a hamstring problem.

Brazil’s Santos football club won five of his 15 games in charge and are now just two places above the relegation zone. 

Santos next match is away to fourth-placed Bahia on August 24.