Brazil fans have been speculating about Davide Ancelotti appearing to shake his head in disapproval at Neymar being brought on by his dad, Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Neymar’s inclusion in the Selecao squad was a hot topic for months in his homeland and he made the final cut despite being plagued by fitness and form issues.
Carlo Ancelotti gave him his first game time of the World Cup off the bench against Scotland in their 3-0 win but his son, assistant manager Davide, 36, appeared to be unimpressed.
When TV cameras panned to the touchline, Neymar was receiving instructions from Carlo, while Davide sat feet away from them, repeatedly glancing up at the Santos forward, glaring at him and shaking his head.
Plenty of Brazil fans online have interpreted his gesture as a sign that Davide did not want Neymar to come on, while others insisted the reaction could have been to anything.
There was controversy around Neymar’s selection, particularly given Joao Pedro of Chelsea was left at home despite scoring 15 Premier League goals last season.
Davide Ancelotti appeared to give Neymar a shake of the head and disapproving look
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Neymar spent 20 minutes on the pitch, touched the ball 24 times and managed one shot in his cameo.
Afterwards, his manager insisted the 34-year-old ‘deserved’ his chance to come on.
Carlo Ancelotti said: ‘He had the opportunity to play, because I think he deserved to play. He trained and worked hard to recover, with professionalism.
‘For this World Cup, I think that he can help the team with his qualities. I think he played well, the few minutes he was on the pitch.
‘Neymar needs no ulterior motivation. Everyone loves him here. He needs no motivation to wear the colours of Brazil.
‘Neymar is still the same, and at 34, he has the same passion he had as a kid.’
The former Barcelona and PSG star is his country’s top scorer on 79 goals but has been robbed of game time in the latter parts of his career.
An anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tear in a World Cup qualifier in October 2023 led to extended absences.
Various smaller injuries last season for Santos hampered him and both the player and manager will be desperate for him to hit form at the right time with the knockout games fast approaching.
Brazil are playing Japan in their round of 32 game and if they win then a showdown between either Ivory Coast or Norway awaits.
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