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Neymar was left in floods of tears as his Santos team was utterly demolished 6-0 by Brazilian rival Vasco da Gama at the weekend.
Former Liverpool and Premier League sensation Philippe Coutinho, who is also Neymar's ex-Brazil teammate, stole the show for the away team. Vasco da Gama was languishing just above the drop zone in Brazil's top league heading into Sunday, but things couldn't have unfolded worse for Santos.
Lucas Piton put the visitors ahead in the 18th minute, before David Correa da Fonseca extended their lead. Coutinho then netted twice either side of a Rayan spot-kick. Danilo Neves completed the thrashing, and Neymar was seen weeping when the final whistle sounded.
The superstar didn't hold back in his brutal post-match verdict on his side's display.
He said: "I'm ashamed. 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.
"It's a feeling of extreme shame. I've never experienced this in my life. Unfortunately, it happened. The tears were from anger, from everything. Unfortunately, I can't help in every way. Anyway, it was total s---, that's the reality."
Santos' most recent loss leaves them sitting 15th in Brazil's top tier and merely two points above the relegation places following 19 matches this campaign.
Club bosses have opted to make a managerial switch in the wake of the humiliation by dismissing coach Cleber Xavier.
A brief statement from the club read: "Santos FC announces the departure of coach Cleber Xavier. The club thanks him for his service and wishes him well in his future career."
Neymar's homecoming to his childhood club hasn't quite lived up to expectations.
The 33-year-old returned to the squad in January after a stint plagued by injuries with the Saudi Arabian team, Al-Hilal.
Since his return, he has netted six goals and provided three assists in 19 matches across all competitions.
His contract is due to run out at the close of 2025.
Santos and Neymar are set to hit the pitch again this coming weekend as they head to Bahia.
It's still up in the air who will be at the helm for that match following the managerial shake-up.
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