Why Thiago Mendes Refused to Shake Neymar’s Hand: A Six-Year Feud Explained
The football world is no stranger to intense rivalries, but the ongoing animosity between Brazilian stars Thiago Mendes and Neymar has recently taken center stage. On August 16, 2026, during a Brazilian Serie A clash between Vasco da Gama and Santos FC at São Januário stadium, the tension reached a boiling point. During the pre-match greetings, Vasco midfielder Thiago Mendes pointedly refused to shake the hand of Santos forward Neymar. This icy snub instantly went viral, sparking fierce debate across the global football community. This frosty exchange was the latest chapter in a bitter, six-year feud. This comprehensive overview dives into the origins of their deep-seated rivalry, from the infamous 2020 tackle in France to their explosive 2026 encounters, and explains how fans can catch all the drama live on Sports Live Hub (SLH).