Ana Galocha, Davide Ancelotti's wife, revealed she has received numerous insults. "Are you aware of the misunderstanding? Because of this, I have received countless insults. In reality, we were among the first to want Brazil to win," Galocha wrote on Instagram. She attributes the backlash to Brazilian fans misinterpreting an image broadcast from the field, which she claims is unrelated to the actual situation.

The controversy originated from a moment during the 75th minute when Neymar was preparing to enter the field as a substitute. Davide Ancelotti, assistant and son of coach Carlo Ancelotti, was seen glancing at Neymar and shaking his head. This action was widely interpreted as Davide not wanting the number 10 player to enter the game, triggering a wave of negative reactions.

The moment Davide Ancelotti was misunderstood by fans as giving Neymar a disapproving look. *Screenshot*

However, an investigation by Globo revealed that the head shake was part of a conversation with fellow assistant coach Paul Clement. The misunderstanding arose because it occurred simultaneously with the glance. Another image appears to "exonerate" Davide, showing him standing and speaking with Neymar.

Neymar's participation in the 2026 World Cup had been a contentious issue. Coach Ancelotti initially declined to include the 34-year-old forward in the national team for nearly one year, citing concerns about his form, fitness, and injury status.

Following advocacy from fans and public figures, the Italian coach reportedly changed his stance. He included Neymar in the World Cup squad, accepting his injury, and rested him for the first two matches to aid recovery. After Neymar played for 20 minutes in the match against Scotland on the evening of 24/6, Ancelotti praised him for his comeback efforts and his status as a top-tier player.

Neymar (number 10) entered the Brazil 3-0 Scotland match in Group C of the 2026 World Cup, held in Miami Gardens, US, on 24/6. *AP*

Brazil secured a 3-0 victory over Scotland with goals from Vinicius (7th, 45+3 minutes) and Matheus Cunha (60th minute). They currently lead Group C with two wins, one draw, and seven points, matching Morocco but with a superior goal difference. Brazil is scheduled to face Japan in the round of 16 on 29/6.

Neymar holds the record for 79 goals scored for Brazil. He helped the national team reach the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup and the quarter-finals in 2018 and 2022. In late 2023, during a qualifying match against Uruguay, he suffered a torn knee ligament, sidelining him for one year.

Davide pursued a playing career before retiring in 2009 at the age of 20. Since 2012, he has served as an assistant to his father. He managed Botafogo from 7/2025 to 12/2025, achieving 15 wins, 11 draws, and 7 losses, guiding them to a sixth-place finish in the Brazilian championship. After the 2026 World Cup, Davide is set to move to France to manage Lille, which finished third in Ligue 1 last season.

* Key moments from Brazil's 3-0 victory over Scotland in Group C of the 2026 World Cup on 24/6.

Thanh Quy (*based on Globo, Instagram*)