Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is frustrated by limited World Cup minutes but remains professional, respectful, and focused on Brazil’s campaign
Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti, speaking in São Paulo, Brazil on Friday, 3 July 2026, confirmed that forward Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior is unhappy with his limited involvement at the ongoing FIFA World Cup but continues to behave professionally and support the squad.
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The limited role frustration has become a talking point as Brazil prepare for their last-16 clash against Norway at the MetLife Stadium.
Ancelotti, who has overseen Brazil’s campaign through the group stages, said the 34-year-old forward has accepted his situation despite clear disappointment over reduced playing time. Neymar has featured only once in the tournament so far, coming on as a late substitute during Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in the group stage.
“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti told Folha de São Paulo. “He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person.”
The Brazil coach added that Neymar’s professionalism has been consistent throughout the tournament, noting that the forward remains an influential presence within the squad even while not starting matches.
Neymar World Cup limited role frustration has been partly shaped by the player’s fitness concerns after arriving at the tournament with a right calf injury.
Despite this, Ancelotti insisted Neymar is now physically capable of completing a full match, although his minutes will continue to be carefully managed.
“The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play,” Ancelotti said. “He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I’ll put him on.”
Brazil head into Sunday’s knockout fixture against Norway with a mixed historical record against European opposition in World Cup knockout stages, adding pressure as they aim to progress further in the tournament.
Ancelotti described Norway as “very well-organised defensively” and warned that his side must remain prepared for all scenarios during the match.
Despite speculation around Neymar’s future role, team officials maintain that the forward remains a key figure in the dressing room, with his experience seen as vital to Brazil’s ambitions in the competition.
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The situation continues to attract attention as supporters debate whether Neymar will be given a starting opportunity in the decisive stages of the tournament or remain an impact substitute.
