2026 World Cup: Controversy in Brazil Over Davide Ancelotti—Neymar Is Involved

Controversy in Brazil over Davide Ancelotti. The son of Seleção head coach Carlo Ancelotti—who serves as an assistant on his father’s coaching staff—has found himself at the center of a media storm following events during the Brazil-Scotland match, which ended 3-0 in favor of the Verdeoro. In the second half, when Neymar entered the field, Davide Ancelotti began shaking his head while looking at the player with an expression that seemed to convey disapproval. Thousands of comments targeting Ancelotti Jr. flooded social media, including insults and threats.

Ana Galocha, the wife of Lille’s new head coach, also found herself caught up in the storm of insults; she vented her anger on social media: “Do you realize that you’re misinterpreting an image completely, with no connection to reality, and that because of this I’ve received numerous insults since this morning? We’re the first ones who want Brazil to win.”

Davide Ancelotti himself assured everyone that he wasn’t upset with Neymar: “On some occasions, to preserve the harmony of the group, it’s necessary to clarify disputes. I’m very sorry that a conversation with Paul Clement—which had absolutely nothing to do with Neymar’s substitution—was taken out of context. We’re very fortunate to be able to work with players of such high professional and personal caliber as those on the Brazilian national team. Let’s move forward with unity, respect, and the utmost commitment and enthusiasm.”

Globo Esporte later clarified the incident: the video was deliberately edited, as Ancelotti Jr. himself stands up and high-fives Neymar. Those frames were removed to stir up outrage and generate engagement.