MARCELO BIELSA had the most unique photoshoot of the World Cup after refusing to look at the camera.
Uruguay boss Bielsa, 70, went in front of the media before the tournament for headshots and walkout pics but didn’t follow normal protocol.
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Marcelo Bielsa said he “is not a model” after refusing to look up during his World Cup photoshoot Credit: Getty
The Uruguay boss gave a cryptic explanation for his unique pics Credit: Getty
The former Leeds manager chose to look down at the floor instead of into the lens.
When asked to pick his head up he shook his head and said “no”, continuing to stare at the floor.
Stood hands in pockets, even as the camera pans in and out on him with a Uruguay-themed background he remained stony-faced.
And some saw it as a form of protest.
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But, speaking after the opening game 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia, he said: “I don’t have to give any explanation, the picture was taken the way it was taken.
“I’m not a model.”
Later asked to expand on an answer, he added: “There is a limit in terms of what we need to explain.
“If I’m wearing glasses, why am I wearing glasses?
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“You look somebody in the eye, why do you do that?
“There is nothing wrong about wearing glasses or looking into somebody’s eyes or looking down.”
Maverick Bielsa is at his third World Cup having previously taken fellow South American sides Argentina and Chile in 2002 and 2010.
Uruguay could only draw to their Middle Eastern opponents, salvaging a point late on through Sporting wing-back Maximiliano Araujo.
Abdulelah Al-Amri had given the Saudis a surprise first half lead.
Bielsa’s side had prepared for the game amid chaos after being unable to fly into America for the clash on time due to paperwork issues.
Teams are instructed to be in the country of the game at least 24 hours before kick-off but Uruguay’s plane was delayed.
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CANCUN, MEXICO – JUNE 10: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Marcelo Bielsa, Head Coach of Uruguay, poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 10, 2026 in Cancun, Mexico. (Photo by Molly Darlington – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Credit: Getty
