- Vasco da Gama's captain was decisive once again in the CONMEBOL Sudamericana Round of 16 second leg against Olimpia.
- The midfielder scored the goal that sparked the comeback in Asunción and produced another outstanding performance in the Gran Conquista.
Born in São Luís, Thiago Mendes embodies the essence of a combative, hard-working side that also plays with quality on the ball. Mendes was the standout performer in the Playoffs with his goal against Independiente Medellín, and once again made the difference against Olimpia with a strike that changed the course of the match when Vasco were trailing.
The midfielder, who came through the Goiás academy and also had a spell at São Paulo before moving to Lille in France, joined Vasco da Gama in mid-2025 and quickly established himself as captain and an undisputed first-team regular for the Rio de Janeiro side.
Portuguese manager Pedro Emanuel, who succeeded the legendary Renato 'Gaúcho', opted for an attacking system with Mendes at its heart, providing intensity in the press, strength in the tackle, composure with the first pass after winning back possession and a constant threat arriving in the opposition box.
Those qualities were on full display in the demanding knockout ties of the CONMEBOL Sudamericana. Mendes made only brief appearances in two of the six Group Stage matches because of an ankle injury: in the second matchday against Audax Italiano and in the final game against Barracas Central.
His return proved a major boost for the Rio de Janeiro side, who have remained unbeaten in international competition since his comeback.
In the first leg of the Round of 16 Playoffs, Vasco drew 2-2 with Independiente in Medellín. In the second leg, Mendes scored a vital goal as the Brazilian side progressed to the next round. In the Round of 16, after a goalless draw in the first leg in Rio de Janeiro, Vasco travelled to Asunción determined to keep their dream alive. Esteban Matus' early goal put the Paraguayan side ahead. But once again, the Brazilian captain stepped up to spark the comeback, scoring the equaliser before the Cruzmaltino went on to celebrate a 4-1 victory.
In demanding away fixtures, in a competition filled with major challenges, Mendes continues to enhance his stature — and Vasco da Gama are looking to their captain as they dream of conquering the Gran Conquista.
