A public display of animosity between striker Neymar, from Santos, and midfielder Thiago Mendes, who defends Vasco, drew attention in the pre-game of the match between the two teams, held on August 17, 2026. Before the ball rolled for the clash in São Januário, the Vasco player refused to greet Neymar during the traditional protocol for entering the field, highlighting a rivalry that has been going on for years in football. Santos beat Vasco 3-0.
The origin of the disagreement dates back to the confrontation in France in 2020
The enmity between the athletes began almost six years ago, in December 2020, when both were playing in French football. In a match between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon for the French Championship, Thiago Mendes made a strong tackle on Neymar. The move resulted in the expulsion of the midfielder and a sprain in Neymar’s left ankle, which sidelined him for approximately three weeks.
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After the incident, Thiago Mendes used his social networks to publicly apologize to his compatriot, expressing his hope that the injury was not serious. Neymar, however, did not directly mention the steering wheel in his statements about what happened. The attacker’s family, however, reacted strongly, with Neymar’s father criticizing the violence of the foul and questioning the perception that the “victim” was to blame.
Neymar Sr. wrote at the time: “A player applies an irresponsible, violent scissors, from the side, crosses the physical space of another, without even the option of defending… We didn’t measure this throughout the game where Neymar suffered the traditional rotation of fouls, and always violent, and with that we are feeding this type of player and attitude… This is how football will really lose… How long will it be the victim’s fault???”.
Recent clashes in Brazil reignite the dispute
The rivalry between Neymar and Thiago Mendes gained new contours in 2026, with the return of both to Brazilian football, putting them face to face again. In February of the same year, during a game in the first round of the Brasileirão between Santos and Vasco, tension manifested itself in arguments and provocations. Neymar complained about a foul by Mendes, and the exchange of barbs on the field escalated to the point where both received a yellow card from referee Rafael Rodrigo Klein.
At halftime of that match, Neymar was incisive when commenting on the friction. He recalled his entry in 2020 and told the Sportv report: “It’s always him, he always gets into trouble, he always wants to act macho. It’s always like that. With all due respect, he’s an asshole. He broke me once at Paris Saint-Germain, he promised me today. So let’s see if he’s man enough to break me again.”
The gesture that went viral in São Januário and what it means
The most recent episode of the disagreement occurred on August 17, 2026. As the players prepared for the start of the match, exchanging pennants in the center of the field, Thiago Mendes refused to extend his hand to Neymar. The Santos striker laughed at his rival’s attitude after the incident, but the moment was captured on camera and quickly gained repercussion, becoming one of the most talked about topics on social media and sports circles.
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This type of public display of disaffection is not uncommon in football, but the history between the two players gives Mendes’ gesture additional weight. The steering wheel’s attitude can be interpreted as a form of protest or to maintain an intense rivalry stance, increasing the level of drama in future games involving the athletes. For fans, these moments add an extra layer of emotion and narrative to classics.
Chronology of the rivalry between Neymar and Thiago Mendes
- December 2020:Thiago Mendes commits a serious foul on Neymar during PSG vs Lyon, injuring the attacker. Mendes is expelled and apologizes on social media.
- December 2020:Neymar’s father criticizes the violence of the public demonstration.
- February 2026:First meeting in the Brasileirão, in a match between Santos and Vasco. Neymar and Mendes argue on the field and receive a yellow card.
- February 2026:Neymar criticizes Mendes in an interview during halftime of the game, calling him an “asshole” and remembering his 2020 injury.
- August 17, 2026:Thiago Mendes refuses to greet Neymar before the Vasco x Santos game, in São Januário, renewing tension between the players.
Expectations and the future of rivalry on the pitch
The persistence of this personal rivalry between Neymar and Thiago Mendes adds an unpredictable and captivating element to the games in which they face each other. Although the clubs and the league do not intervene in strictly personal matters between athletes, the scenario on the field becomes more tense, with every move between the two being closely watched. The public, in turn, follows with interest the evolution of this story, which may have new chapters with each meeting in the Brazilian Championship.