Thiago Mendes Snubs Neymar in Pre-Match Handshake Ahead of Vasco-Santos Showdown

During the traditional handshake line before a Brazilian Serie A match between Vasco da Gama and Santos at São Januário, Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes deliberately avoided shaking hands with Santos forward Neymar. The gesture sparked immediate tension, foreshadowing a heated encounter on the pitch later that day.

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The animosity dates back to a 2020 Ligue 1 encounter between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. In that match, Mendes delivered a hard side-foot challenge on Neymar, resulting in Mendes’ red card. Afterward, Mendes posted an apology on social media, expressing concern that Neymar had not been seriously injured. Neymar, however, made no public comment at the time, noting only relief that his injury—a sprain to his left ankle—was not more severe. Neymar’s father later criticized the tackle on social media, describing it as “an irresponsible, violent scissor tackle” that left his son defenseless.

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In February, the two met again in Brazilian football. Early in the first half, Santos’ No. 10 contested a foul by Mendes, leading to a verbal exchange that escalated when Mendes brushed Neymar’s face, causing Neymar to fall. Both players received yellow cards and continued arguing through halftime. At the break, Neymar referenced the 2020 incident, accusing Mendes of repeatedly seeking trouble.

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Neymar’s post-match interview with SporTV reiterated his frustration, labeling Mendes as “an idiot” who had previously injured him and threatened him again. Vasco’s camp has not issued a formal comment on the handshake incident or the subsequent on-field dispute.

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• “He always wants to start trouble, he always wants to act tough, it's always like that,” — Neymar, at São Januário

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