Neymar Calls Mendes 'Nobody' After Handshake Snub in Santos Win

Santos secured a vital 3-0 victory over Vasco da Gama on Sunday, August 16, 2026, but the Brazilian Serie A match was overshadowed by a pregame confrontation between Santos forward Neymar and Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes, renewing a long-standing personal rivalry. The incident occurred during the customary prematch handshake line at the Estádio São Januário, when Mendes, serving as Vasco's captain, ignored Neymar's outstretched hand, leaving the Santos star momentarily snubbed.

The 3-0 win, achieved through second-half goals from Gabriel Barbosa, Willian Arao, and Luan Peres, moved Santos out of the relegation zone. However, post-match discussions centered on the viral moment of disrespect and Neymar's harsh response. Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Neymar was direct in his assessment of Mendes. "To be honest, I don't care much about that guy. To me, he is a nobody," Neymar stated. He referenced a 2020 incident in France where Mendes, then with Lyon, committed a tackle that resulted in a severe ankle sprain for Neymar, who was then with Paris Saint-Germain. "He refused to shake my hand, which I see as very disrespectful. The most important thing is...