VPS Akatemia Panoramica

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.

Santos star Neymar has raised fresh doubts over his participation in the upcoming Copa do Brasil quarter-final tie against Palmeiras due to concerns over the synthetic pitch at Nubank Parque. The 34-year-old forward has long been a vocal critic of artificial surfaces, raising questions about his readiness to play in the crucial fixture on August 26.