Santos Take Cheeky Dig at Thiago Mendes After Neymar Handshake Snub

Santos enjoyed the perfect response to a pre-match controversy involving Neymar and Thiago Mendes, securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama before taking a cheeky swipe at the midfielder on social media.

The tension between Neymar and Mendes dates back to their time in Ligue 1, when Mendes’ tackle left the Brazilian superstar with an ankle injury. Their rivalry resurfaced during Sunday’s Brazilian Serie A encounter, with the pre-match handshake adding another chapter to their long-running feud.

Santos Troll Thiago Mendes After Handshake Snub

Before the match, players from Santos and Vasco Da Gama went through the traditional pre-game handshake routine. However, Mendes appeared to avoid shaking hands with Neymar.

The incident quickly attracted attention, particularly because of the history between the two players. Santos subsequently used the moment to have some fun at Mendes’ expense.

The Brazilian club posted a picture of their captain shaking hands with an image representing three points. The accompanying caption was a clear reference to Mendes’ decision to ignore Neymar.

“This one I make a point of greeting.”

The post came after Santos had already made their feelings known about the incident, turning the pre-match controversy into another source of motivation following their emphatic victory.

Neymar and Thiago Mendes Have History Dating Back to PSG Days

The strained relationship between Neymar and Mendes began in 2020 during a Ligue 1 meeting between Paris Saint-Germain and Lyon.

Mendes made a strong challenge on Neymar that resulted in the Brazilian suffering an ankle sprain. The midfielder later apologised publicly for the tackle, but Neymar did not appear to accept the apology.

The incident also prompted a strong reaction from Neymar’s father, who criticised Mendes following the challenge.

Several years later, the pair found themselves on opposite sides again in Brazilian football, and the previous tension appeared to remain unresolved.

Neymar Criticised Mendes After Another Heated Encounter

The rivalry intensified when Santos faced Vasco Da Gama earlier this year. Neymar was unhappy with Mendes’ challenges and confronted the midfielder during the game.

Another incident later saw Neymar go down holding his face after contact with Mendes, further escalating the situation between the two players.

Following the match, Neymar did not hold back when discussing Mendes and questioned the midfielder’s approach on the pitch.

“He always wants to start trouble, he always wants to act tough, it’s always like that.”

Neymar also referenced their previous encounter at PSG and suggested that Mendes had once again crossed the line during their latest meeting.

Santos Beat Vasco Da Gama 3-0

Despite the controversy surrounding the handshake, Santos made sure the result provided the final word on the pitch.

The club secured a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Vasco Da Gama, earning three valuable points in their fight to move away from the relegation zone.

The victory lifted Santos out of the relegation places, while Vasco Da Gama remained second from bottom with 22 points.

For Santos, the win was therefore much more significant than the social-media banter. The three points could prove crucial as the club attempts to improve its position in the Brazilian Serie A standings.

Neymar’s Santos Future Remains Uncertain

While Neymar remains one of Santos’ biggest stars, his long-term future at the club is still unclear.

The Brazilian forward’s current contract with Santos is scheduled to expire in December 2026, and he has admitted that he does not yet know what the next chapter of his career will look like.

Neymar has previously been linked with a possible move to Major League Soccer. However, reports indicate that talks with FC Cincinnati have already broken down.

Inter Miami have also been linked with the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. A move to Miami could potentially reunite Neymar with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

What Comes Next for Neymar and Santos?

The latest incident with Mendes is unlikely to define Neymar’s season, but it highlights the intensity surrounding the Brazilian star whenever he takes the field.

For Santos, the priority will be building on the 3-0 victory and continuing their climb away from danger. Neymar’s form and availability could be particularly important during the remainder of the campaign.

Meanwhile, the unresolved tension between Neymar and Mendes has added another intriguing subplot to Brazilian football, with future meetings between the two players likely to attract plenty of attention.