Brad Pitt Sarcastically Mocks Neymar and the "Acting Skills" of Soccer Players

Brad Pitt has spent decades honing his craft in front of the camera, but he now believes that professional acting coaching is what soccer stars on the pitch really need.

In an interview with Esquire Brazil, the 62-year-old Oscar winner shared a funny anecdote. While in the stands watching a World Cup match between Paraguay and Germany on June 30, Pitt witnessed a Paraguayan player take an overly dramatic dive after a collision. The moment sparked a wave of emotion from the actor, prompting him to speak out about soccer players' tendency to exaggerate fouls—while singling out Brazilian star Neymar.

"I’m going to open a masterclass to teach 'simulation,' because these guys are just terrible at it," Pitt said, jumping up from his seat to parody an exaggerated fall. "It’s some of the worst acting I’ve ever seen in my life. I know diving is part of the game, but damn, they clearly need some help."

The Hollywood star then turned his attention entirely to Neymar. "And I’ll start with Neymar, because for all his balletic moves on the pitch, man, he needs help," the actor noted. "I’m going to show him how to sell a scene, how to do it subtly, how not to overact so it actually looks realistic. I’ve already got a whole curriculum ready."