Martin Odegaard clashed with Neymar during Norway’s World Cup win over Brazil on Sunday, but the pair appeared to make up afterwards.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway controls the ball against Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
As Norway looked to see out a lead over Brazil in their last-16 World Cup clash, Arsenal’s Martin Odegaard clashed with Neymar following a tackle by the Brazilian winger.
Neymar shoved Odegaard hard after the ball was gone, and the Arsenal man did well not to react, likely knowing the implications of a silly yellow (or indeed red) card at a World Cup tournament.
It only takes two bookings to earn yourself a suspension, and Norway don’t have their Prime Minister whispering in Gianni Infantino’s ear to get such a ban overturned.
Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway reacts after fouled by Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Neymar then clashed with Odegaard again after converting a late penalty, deliberately barging into the Norway captain as he ran past him. But the two then appeared to make up at full-time, with Neymar seemingly apologising.
Speaking to the Norwegian media, Odegaard admitted it was all a bit uncomfortable for him.
“Yes, it got a little awkward,” Odegaard said. “But there was a good atmosphere afterwards. So it ended well.”
Neymar Jr #10 of Brazil has words with Martin Odegaard #10 of Norway during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 05, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
It’s no real surprise to see emotions running high at the World Cup, though quite why you’d want to take your frustrations out on Odegaard is a little unclear. The Norway and Arsenal captain is rarely someone to provoke the opposition, other than just by playing football.
Whatever the reasons why Neymar took such an issue with Odegaard, as the player himself says, it all ended well.
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