2026 World Cup: Neymar Not Happy to Sit on the Bench — Ancelotti

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Neymar is frustrated with his limited playing time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup but praised the veteran forward for maintaining a professional attitude despite his disappointment.

The Brazil manager disclosed this in an interview with Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, published on Friday, ahead of the Selecao’s Round of 16 clash against Norway.

Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, has featured only once in the tournament, making a brief substitute appearance during his country’s 3-0 victory over Scotland in the group stage.

The 34-year-old Santos forward played just 14 minutes in that match and is expected to start on the bench again when Brazil face Norway on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium.

Ancelotti acknowledged that the experienced attacker is unhappy about his reduced role but said he has continued to demonstrate commitment and professionalism in training and around the squad.

“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well,” Ancelotti said.

The Italian coach also described Neymar as a respected and influential member of the team despite not being a regular starter.

“Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” he added.

According to Ancelotti, the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star remains an important figure because of both his football quality and leadership qualities.

“He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him,” the coach said.

Ancelotti acknowledged that Neymar naturally wants to play more minutes, describing the desire as understandable for a player of his calibre.

“And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has,” he stated.

Neymar is participating in his fourth FIFA World Cup and continues to pursue the elusive world title that has escaped him throughout his international career.

Brazil will be hoping to continue their quest for a sixth World Cup crown when they take on Norway in the knockout stage, with Ancelotti expected to rely on his current starting lineup while keeping Neymar available as an experienced option from the bench.