Video: Davide Ancelotti divides opinions with reaction to Neymar substitution

Video: Davide Ancelotti divides opinions with reaction to Neymar substitution

Davide Ancelotti, Carlo Ancelotti’s son and assistant, has divided opinions after his reaction to Neymar’s introduction during Brazil’s World Cup group stage match against Scott McTominay’s Scotland earlier this week.

Watch: Did Ancelotti shake his head at Neymar substitution?

The inclusion of the legendary Neymar in the Brazil national team squad for the 2026 World Cup has been a major talking point: The 34-year-old is by far and away one of the nation’s most popular footballers, but his injuries and fitness have limited his impact for quite a while now and the former PSG and Barcelona man has only been able to make one substitute appearance at the World Cup thus far.

His first appearance came off the bench during Brazil’s final group stage match against Scotland, which ended 3-0 in favour of the Selecao thanks to goals from Vinicius Jr. (x2) and Matheus Cunha.

Neymar was brought off the bench for Cunha in the second half, and footage has emerged of Davide Ancelotti appearing to shake his head while the substitution was being made.

Davide Ancelotti, who will take over as head coach of Ligue 1 side Lille after the 2026 World Cup, has divided opinions with his reaction to Neymar’s substitution.

Official: Davide Ancelotti is appointed head coach of LOSC on a two-year contract (via www.losc.fr)

One supporter on X labelled Davide Ancelotti a ‘misunderstood genius’, while another claimed that he had gained respect from supporters for his reaction. Others have looked less kindly on the incident, suggesting that Davide Ancelotti is only in the position he is in due to his father’s influence. There have also been suggestions that his reaction was not even in relation to Neymar’s substitution.

But what did you make of the incident? Let us know in the comments below.

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