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Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, has called for the exclusion of players like Neymar, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Alisson Becker, among others, from the Selecao because of their association with European clubs. The shocking comment from the Brazilian President came in the aftermath of Brazil defeating Chile 2-1 in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers a couple of days ago with the impressive performances from the local stars.
During the highly important clash at the Estadio Nacional Julio Martínez Prádanos in Santiago, Brazil were missing the likes of Vinicius, Alisson Becker, and other big players, but their younger players from the local clubs, including names like Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique stepped up with crucial goals. Chile had taken an early lead in the second minute through Eduardo Vargas before two goals in the latter stages of both the halves ensured a vital win for the visitors.
Those who are abroad are not better than those here: Brazil President on the Selecao players
After the conclusion of the match, politician Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva spoke in a radio interview about the comparison between local stars and the players in Europe for the Selecao. He claimed, “Those who are abroad are not better than those here. In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad), so give opportunities to those who are here.”
Furthermore, as per the report from beIN Sports, the Brazilian President also met the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) head, urging him to pick local players instead of stars plying their trade in Europe. If the CBF, the governing body of football in Brazil, ends up going with the sentiment of the country’s head, then the likes of Neymar, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Alisson Becker, and more, might not play for the national team again.
