Thiago Mendes scores as captain, cementing rising status at Vasco | OneFootball

Thiago Mendes captained Vasco on Renato Gaúcho’s debut against Palmeiras and scored his first goal for the club to haul them level. It underlined the 33-year-old’s growing influence.

Handed the armband by Renato, the midfielder broke the line on 17 minutes of the second half, exchanged a one-two with David and finished into the left corner. Cuiabano then made it 2-1 on 27 minutes. Globo.com notes his consolidation as a new leader within the squad.

Mendes endured a quiet start after two seasons in Qatar, battling fitness issues. He arrived in July as the first signing under football executive Admar Lopes, then from late November nailed down a starting role, starring in the 5-1 win over Internacional and across the Copa do Brasil run, including the semi-final against Fluminense and the final.

In 2026 his importance increased as Vegetti and Coutinho departed and Rayan was sold, leaving a leadership gap he has naturally filled. Earlier in the season Léo Jardim often wore the armband under Fernando Diniz, but Renato prefers an outfield captain and said the goalkeeper remains a leader.

Renato set up with three holding midfielders for defensive stability, praising Hugo’s aerial presence, Tchê Tchê’s movement and Mendes’s form, which went beyond his goal.

Mendes will miss the trip to Cruzeiro after collecting his third yellow card against Palmeiras. Vasco play on Sunday at 20:30 Brasília time at the Mineirão.

Source: Globo.com