Vasco da Gama’s midfielder Thiago Mendes notably declined to shake hands with Santos’s star forward Neymar Jr. before their Brasileirão match on 2026-08-16 at São Januário. The incident, captured on camera, immediately intensified a long-standing personal and professional rivalry between the two Brazilian footballers, captivating fans and media alike.
The tension became evident during the pre-match protocol as the team captains exchanged pennants; Mendes turned away, leaving Neymar with an extended hand. Seconds later, during the traditional player greetings, Neymar again offered his hand, but Mendes continued walking past him without acknowledgement. This double snub occurred ahead of a match that Santos ultimately won 3-0 against Vasco da Gama, according to En Cancha.
A History of Tensions and On-Field Clashes
The roots of this animosity trace back to December 2020, when both players competed in France’s Ligue 1. Neymar, then with Paris Saint-Germain, sustained a severe ankle injury, requiring him to leave the field on a stretcher, following a forceful tackle by Mendes, who was playing for Olympique de Lyon at the time, as reported by Cooperativa and Red Amazónica. Despite Mendes’s public apologies, the incident left a lasting impact, with Neymar Senior publicly condemning such ‘irresponsible and violent’ play.
The rivalry flared up again more recently in February, after both players had returned to Brazilian football. During a 2-1 victory for Santos over Vasco da Gama, Neymar celebrated a goal by shushing visiting fans, which led to a heated exchange with Mendes. Neymar later called Mendes a ‘babaca’ (idiot) in an interview, referencing the earlier incident. Mendes, in turn, stated he reacted because Neymar had disrespected Vasco’s supporters, Cooperativa noted. That previous encounter also saw both players receive yellow cards after a physical altercation.
Following the latest handshaking refusal, Neymar expressed his displeasure with a lament emoji on social media. Jota Amancio, a close friend of the forward, openly criticised Mendes, drawing a comparison to a phrase attributed to Ronaldinho about ‘great’ players exhibiting calmness versus others showing ego. Vasco da Gama fans further amplified the tension in the stadium by distributing masks depicting Neymar crying, adding a provocative element to the already charged atmosphere.
Global Resonance of High-Profile Player Rivalries
The ongoing rivalry between two prominent Brazilian footballers like Neymar and Thiago Mendes carries significant weight beyond local club competition, resonating with a global audience of football fans. Such high-profile personal feuds, especially involving athletes of international renown like Neymar, contribute to broader narratives within the sport, influencing fan engagement and media coverage across continents. The spectacle of these personal conflicts can overshadow game results, shaping perceptions of player conduct and sportsmanship in professional football worldwide, and becoming viral content that transcends national borders, as noted by Red Amazónica.
This sustained animosity means that matches involving Santos and Vasco da Gama become more than just a contest for points; they transform into highly anticipated events where historical grievances and personal pride are as significant as tactical play. The behaviour of players and fans in such scenarios is meticulously scrutinised, impacting the overall image and appeal of the Brasileirão on the international stage.
Both clubs now face important upcoming fixtures. Vasco da Gama is scheduled to compete against Olimpia in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana before a league match with Palmeiras. Santos will also seek to advance in its continental participation against Macará in the Sudamericana, followed by domestic league challenges. The unfolding dynamics of this rivalry will likely continue to be a talking point as both players and their respective teams navigate demanding schedules in the near future.
Image: Cooperativa
Sources consulted
- Cooperativa: [VIDEO] Thiago Mendes le negó el saludo a Neymar y reavivó su antigua disputa en Brasil
- En Cancha: VIDEO | Arrastran una mala relación desde hace años: el jugador que dejó con la mano estirada a Neymar en Brasil
- https://redamazonica.org/: Vasco vs Santos: Thiago Mendes deja a Neymar sin saludo y enciende el lío
Bruno Kadez is a sports writer focused on performance, competition, and athlete insights. He covers major sporting events, player analysis, and trending stories across leagues. His reporting captures both the data and the emotion behind the game.
