The intense rivalry between football stars Neymar and Thiago Mendes resurfaced recently when Mendes notably refused to shake Neymar’s hand before a Brazilian Serie A match. This incident highlights a feud that has simmered for years, dating back to a significant on-field clash in 2020.
A Pre-Match Snub Rekindles Old Tensions
The latest chapter in the Neymar-Thiago Mendes saga unfolded just before a league game where Neymar’s Santos faced Mendes’s team, Vasco, at the Sao Januario stadium. As players lined up for the customary pre-match handshakes, Neymar, leading his team, extended his hand to his opponents. However, when he reached Mendes, the midfielder did not reciprocate, leaving Neymar with an awkward smile before he continued to greet the match officials. This deliberate snub served as a stark visual reminder of the deep-seated animosity between the two Brazilian footballers.
The Origin of the Feud: A Painful 2020 Encounter
The roots of this bitter rivalry can be traced back to a Ligue 1 match in 2020 when Neymar was playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Mendes was a player for Lyon. During the game, Mendes committed a late tackle on Neymar that resulted in the latter being stretchered off the field in tears. The incident was reviewed by VAR, leading to Mendes’s expulsion from the match and a subsequent three-game suspension. Neymar was diagnosed with a sprained ankle and faced a month on the sidelines, a significant blow to his season.
Fallout and Social Media Reactions
The aftermath of the 2020 tackle saw considerable fallout. Neymar’s father, Neymar Santos Sr., publicly criticized Mendes on social media. In response, Mendes issued an apology online but claimed that he and his family subsequently received threats and abuse. This period marked a significant escalation of the personal animosity between the players, extending beyond the pitch and into their personal lives.
Reignited Confrontation in February
The rivalry flared up again in February of the current year during a match between Santos and a team represented by Mendes. Neymar was reportedly incensed by a foul committed against him and confronted Mendes. The situation escalated into an argument, during which Mendes reportedly touched Neymar’s face, causing the forward to fall to the ground. Both players were shown yellow cards for their conduct, and the heated exchange continued throughout the match. Neymar later expressed his frustration, referencing the earlier injury and accusing Mendes of intentionally seeking confrontation.
“He always wants to start trouble, he always wants to act tough, it’s always like that,” Neymar was quoted as saying at the time. “With all due respect, he’s an idiot. He already hurt me once at PSG, he threatened me today, so let’s see if he’s man enough to hurt me again.”
Neymar’s Return to Brazilian Football
Neymar’s appearance in the recent match marked his return to action in the Brazilian Serie A following his participation in Brazil’s World Cup campaign in July. His presence on the field always draws significant attention, and his renewed on-field battles with Mendes have added another layer of drama to the domestic league.
The Recent Match Outcome
Despite the pre-match tension and the lingering animosity, Neymar ultimately had the last laugh on the field in their most recent encounter. Neymar’s Santos secured a decisive 3-0 victory over Mendes’s team, Vasco. This result not only gave Neymar’s side bragging rights but also served as a fitting conclusion to this particular chapter of their ongoing rivalry, at least for now.
Enduring Rivalries in Professional Sports
The dynamic between Neymar and Thiago Mendes serves as a compelling example of how personal history and on-field incidents can forge enduring rivalries in professional sports. What began as a single, impactful foul has evolved into a recurring narrative of tension, confrontation, and psychological battles between two prominent Brazilian footballers. Such rivalries, while sometimes contentious, often captivate fans and add an extra layer of intrigue to the sport.
As both players continue their careers in Brazil, the potential for future encounters and further developments in their long-standing feud remains high. The refusal to shake hands is a clear indication that the animosity is far from over, and fans will likely be watching closely for the next chapter in this dramatic sporting saga.
