Aperçu Sri Pahang

The diminutive Brazilian wasn't easy to handle on or off the field, but he still managed to conquer the world

The long-standing rivalry between Neymar and Thiago Mendes reached boiling point on Sunday as the Vasco da Gama midfielder pointedly ignored the Santos superstar during the pre-match handshakes. The frosty exchange at São Januário sparked immediate reactions across social media, with Neymar’s inner circle weighing in on the latest chapter of a feud that dates back to their time in Ligue 1.

Both Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen appear to have set their sights on a Brazilian player who is currently racking up goal contributions one after the other.

Neymar delivered a show of support for fellow countryman Vinicius Junior when netting for Santos in their meeting with Vasco da Gama. Real Madrid superstar Vini has found himself at the centre of another racism storm in Europe, with Neymar offering his backing to a Brazil international colleague when mimicking the 25-year-old’s goal celebration.