Tensions flared fiercely at São Januário ahead of a high-profile fixture as Vasco da Gama midfielder Thiago Mendes deliberately refused a pre-match handshake offered by Neymar. What should have been a standard display of sporting etiquette quickly escalated into a heated talking point, bringing their enduring animosity back into the spotlight. The latest chapter in a rivalry that originally sparked during their days in France’s Ligue 1 has once again captured widespread attention across the footballing world.
As the referee prepared to blow the whistle for kick-off between Vasco and Santos, the atmosphere inside the stadium was already charged. During the customary pre-game greetings, Neymar extended his hand in a gesture of sportsmanship, but Mendes chose to ignore it completely. Captured clearly by pitchside cameras, the snub went viral across social media within minutes, sparking intense debate among supporters and pundits alike.
The immediate online response from Neymar’s official social media channels was understated yet telling, featuring a simple sad emoji. Meanwhile, the home supporters intensified the hostile environment in the stands by distributing novelty masks depicting Neymar in tears, further stoking the flames of the rivalry.
Neymar’s close friend, Jota Amancio, did not hesitate to publicly criticise the Vasco midfielder. Taking to social media, Amancio shared a famous quote by Brazilian legend Ronaldinho regarding character in sport. The shared anecdote recalled an interaction between Zlatan Ibrahimović and Ronaldinho, wherein Ronaldinho asserted that true superstars are invariably humble and down-to-earth, whereas ordinary players frequently exhibit arrogance and unnecessary ego.
The roots of this bitter feud stretch back to 2020. During a Ligue 1 encounter while Neymar was starring for Paris Saint-Germain and Mendes was representing Olympique Lyonnais, a reckless challenge from Mendes severely sprained Neymar’s ankle. Although Mendes issued a public apology at the time, the physical and psychological scars left a lingering resentment between the two competitors.
Following their respective returns to Brazilian domestic football earlier this year, their historical rivalry has repeatedly boiled over. During a recent league match, an altercation broke out between the pair during the first half. After being brought down by a robust challenge from Mendes, Neymar reacted with visible frustration. When Mendes placed his hand near Neymar’s face, the Brazilian forward went down to the turf, prompting the referee to caution both players with yellow cards. The tension failed to subside during the interval, with verbal sparring continuing inside the stadium tunnel as the teams headed toward the dressing rooms.
Speaking to sports broadcaster SporTV after the match, Neymar did not mince words when assessing his opponent’s temperament. He remarked that Mendes consistently seeks out unnecessary confrontation and attempts to project a tough-guy persona on the pitch, describing his behaviour bluntly as lacking basic decorum.
Ultimately, the refusal of a simple handshake before kick-off has demonstrated that the deep-seated friction between Neymar and Thiago Mendes extends far beyond the ninety minutes of regular play, proving that their prolonged feud remains very much alive.
