Neymar Responds to Thiago Mendes' Handshake Snub

Neymar was at the center of attention in Brazil after Thiago Mendes declined to shake his hand during pre-match greetings before Santos faced Vasco da Gama on August 16. Following the match, which Santos won 3-0, Neymar expressed his disdain for Mendes, stating that he considers him insignificant.

The incident occurred as the teams lined up for handshakes, with Mendes visibly ignoring Neymar, who then greeted the match officials. After the game, Neymar did not hold back in his comments about Mendes, recalling a previous injury caused by Mendes in 2020 and describing the handshake refusal as disrespectful.

Despite their shared Brazilian nationality, the rivalry between the two players has roots in their time in Europe. Neymar's comments and the pre-match incident have since gained traction on social media, with Santos' official account highlighting the moment, further fueling the ongoing tension between the players.