Davide Ancelotti rejects Neymar row and clarifies touchline gesture in Brazil 3-0 Scotland | OneFootball

Davide Ancelotti, Brazil’s assistant and son of Carlo, moved to explain a head shake filmed during the 3-0 win over Scotland at the 2026 World Cup, saying it was not about Neymar.

The coach said in a post on Friday that the gesture was part of a separate exchange with fellow staff member Paul Clement and had been taken out of context, not linked to Neymar’s substitution.

The moment came just before Neymar’s second-half introduction, when the No 10 was receiving instructions on the touchline and Ancelotti was seen shaking his head, prompting online speculation.

Ancelotti also underlined the positive mood in Brazil’s camp, praising the squad’s professionalism and character and calling for unity, respect, commitment and enthusiasm.

Longer footage shows him rise moments later to greet Neymar before the forward entered the pitch.

Neymar returned for Brazil after 981 days out, having recovered from an injury sustained while playing for Santos, and made his 2026 World Cup bow, the fourth of his career.

Brazil finished first in Group C and face Japan on Monday 29 at 14:00 Brasília time in the round of 32, with the expectation that Neymar will receive more minutes to build match sharpness.

Source: Diario Do Peixe