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Neymar and Thiago Mendes’ six-year feud reignites after the latter refuses handshake. Tensions flare on field, recalling 2020 injury incident.
Neymar’s handshake was snubbed by Thiago Mendes (Picture credit: X)
Santos’ comprehensive 3-0 victory over Vasco in the Brazilian Serie A was overshadowed by midfielder Thiago Mendes not shaking hands with Neymar, as a six-year-old feud didn’t find its ending yet on the football field.
The feud between Neymar and Mendes dates back to 2020, when they clashed during a Ligue 1 game between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon. The former was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Thiago, who was shown a red card.
After the match, Mendes took to social media to apologise to Neymar, saying that he hoped the latter hadn’t suffered an injury. Neymar was later diagnosed with a sprained left ankle.
Neymar didn’t comment on the incident or mention Mendes, but expressed relief that the injury wasn’t more serious.
“A player makes an irresponsible, violent scissor tackle from the side, going straight through another player’s space, leaving him with no chance to defend himself,” Neymar’s father posted on social media.
This February, Mendes and Neymar crossed paths again in Brazilian football and tensions flared once more. Unhappy with a foul on him, the latter confronted Mendes in the first half, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
The argument continued on the field before Neymar fell to the ground after Mendes touched his face.
Both players were booked for the altercation and continued to exchange words throughout the game. At half-time, Neymar referenced the tackle from six years earlier as well, accusing Mendes of trying to provoke him.
Speaking to SporTV, Neymar called him an ‘idiot’ and recalled how he had injured him during their time at PSG, adding that Mendes had threatened him again during the match.
Key Questions Answered
Ask News18The feud between Neymar and Thiago Mendes could lead to continued on-field tensions in future matches between their teams.
Ask News18August 17, 2026, 08:49 IST
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