Neymar not satisfied with World Cup role, Brazil coach Ancelotti drops bombshell revelation

Neymar is not happy that he has only been able to play limited role so far for Brazil at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that despite being not satisfied with his limited role, Neymar is behaving very well.

The 34-year-old has been struggling with injuries of late and has not been able to start in any of Brazil's games so far in the competition. The all-time leading goalscorer for Brazil has made just one substitute appearance in what is his fourth World Cup. He featured in the final 14 minutes of Brazil’s 3-0 win over Scotland in the group stage.

Neymar is not expected to start in Brazil's Round of 16 match against Norway as well.

'Neymar not satisfied'

Ancelotti, however, feels that despite not playing much, Neymar remains a positive influence in the squad.

“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 Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo in an interview published on Friday.

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“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. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has," Ancelotti revealed.

The Brazil head coach also said that he will put Neymar on the pitch whenever the team needs him as he has the experience to manage the tempo of the game.

“The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. 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 (the pitch),” said the Italian coach.

Neymar is still recovering from a Grade 2 calf strain in his right leg even though he remains available for selection for Brazil. With 79 goals in his international career, he remains the leading goalscorer of all time for the five-time World Cup winners.