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The National Times - Ancelotti marks birthday as Spike Lee visits Brazil World Cup training

Ancelotti marks birthday as Spike Lee visits Brazil World Cup training

THINGS TO KNOW 10.06.2026
Ancelotti marks birthday as Spike Lee visits Brazil World Cup training
Ancelotti marks birthday as Spike Lee visits Brazil World Cup training / Photo: © AFP

Brazil players gave coach Carlo Ancelotti a guard of honour for his birthday at a pre-World Cup training session Wednesday attended by Spike Lee.

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The entire Brazil squad, with the exception of the injured Neymar, welcomed the smiling Ancelotti out onto the pitch at the team's base, the New York Red Bulls training facility in suburban New Jersey.

Ancelotti was marking his 67th birthday, three days before the Italian leads the record five-time World Cup winners into their opening match at this year's tournament against Morocco at the MetLife Stadium.

Veteran filmmaker Lee, 69, then appeared as a surprise spectator, wearing a Brazil top and cap.

"I want Brazil to win," insisted Lee, who called Neymar "my man".

Brazil's all-time record scorer has not played for his country since 2023 due to injuries and is struggling to be fit for the start of the World Cup as he recovers from a calf problem.

Lee, meanwhile, said he would not be hanging around as he planned to head back into Manhattan to attend the fourth game of the NBA finals later Wednesday.

"I'm here just for the practice, I have a game to see tonight," said Lee, whose beloved New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs as they defend a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

M.Wilson--TNT

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