Neymar’s attempt to exchange a customary handshake with Thiago Mendes before Sunday’s match was met with a clear refusal, bringing an old and bitter rivalry back into the spotlight.
The incident took place before Vasco da Gama faced Santos at São Januário, where the pre-match atmosphere was already charged. As the players went through the usual greetings, Neymar extended his hand towards Mendes, but the Vasco midfielder appeared to deliberately ignore the gesture and walked past him.
The brief exchange was captured by television cameras and quickly circulated on social media, prompting renewed discussion about the troubled relationship between the two players. What might ordinarily have been an insignificant pre-match moment carried considerably more weight because of their history, which dates back to their time in French football.
Neymar’s official social media account responded to the incident with a sad emoji. The situation was further fuelled by sections of the home support, with Vasco fans reportedly distributing masks depicting Neymar crying. The gesture added another layer of provocation to an already tense occasion.
Neymar’s close friend Jota Amancio also entered the discussion. He criticised Mendes on social media by sharing a well-known comment attributed to Brazilian football great Ronaldinho. The post referred to a past episode involving Ronaldinho and Zlatan Ibrahimovic and was used to suggest that genuine superstars tend to be humble, while less accomplished players can sometimes display arrogance. Although Amancio did not need to spell out his target, the message was widely interpreted as a criticism of Mendes.
The tension between Neymar and Mendes can be traced back to 2020, when both were playing in Ligue 1. Neymar represented Paris Saint-Germain, while Mendes was with Lyon. During a match between the sides, Mendes was sent off after a challenge that badly twisted Neymar’s ankle.
Mendes subsequently apologised publicly for the incident, but the episode left a lasting mark on their relationship. Years later, their return to Brazilian football has provided another setting for the rivalry to resurface.
Earlier this year, the pair were involved in another heated confrontation during a match. Neymar became angry following a foul by Mendes, and tensions escalated when Mendes put a hand on Neymar’s face. Neymar fell to the ground, and both players were shown yellow cards.
The disagreement did not end when the first half was over. The two reportedly continued arguing in the tunnel during the interval, underlining how quickly their encounters can become confrontational.
After that incident, Neymar was openly critical of Mendes when speaking to the media. In comments reported by SportTV, he accused the midfielder of repeatedly trying to provoke trouble and of attempting to portray himself as a tough player. Neymar also used strongly dismissive language when describing his opponent’s behaviour.
The latest handshake incident has therefore become more than a moment of pre-match awkwardness. It has revived a dispute that began in European football and has followed both players back to Brazil.
Neymar and Mendes now operate in the same domestic football environment, making future meetings between their sides particularly intriguing. Their rivalry has already moved beyond a single challenge or disciplinary incident. Sunday’s refusal to shake hands suggested that the tension between them remains unresolved.
For Brazilian football supporters, the episode provides another reminder of how personal rivalries can survive long after the original confrontation. What began with a controversial challenge in France has now resurfaced through arguments on the pitch, public comments and, most recently, a rejected handshake before kick-off.
