It is impossible to consider Brazil without mentioning football. The country has produced multiple iconic players who took the sport to the next level with their skills and gameplay. The Brazil National Football Team is one of the best teams in the World with a record of five FIFA World Cups and multiple continental trophies. But the side’s last commendable title win was the FIFA Confederation Cup 2013. Despite having several star players like Neymar Jr, Vinicius Jr, and other talented players, Brazil failed to make an impact and rather faced some humiliating losses in the last decade. Nike Prepares ‘Golden Boots’ for Vinicius Jr and Rodri Ahead of Ballon d’Or 2024 Award Ceremony.

Frustrated by this Brazil’s president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called for strict actions on players playing outside the country. In his radio interview, Lula da Silva urged the Brazilian Football Federation to only utilise players who play in their home country, in startling talks with football chiefs. This move could affect multiple stars like Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Militao, and Endrick who play in Spain for Real Madrid. Premier League teams also have many Brazilian stars like Alisson Becker (Liverpool) and Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal) while the biggest name to watch would be Neymar Jr who plays in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal.

What Brazil President Lula da Silva Said About Vinicius Jr, Neymar Jr and Others

76-year-old Lula da Silva witnessed the glory years of Brazilian football and now watching the side suffering in FIFA competitions – understandably pains him. Talking on radio the South American leader savagely critiqued Brazil's players who ply their trade abroad and suggested they are not up to the standards of 'Garrincha or Romario'. Instead, he argued they were 'a bunch of young players who are not yet stars'. Neymar Jr Plays Padel Ahead of Brazil's FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers Match Against Chile (View Pics).

After failing to make substantial progress in FIFA competitions, which includes the recent defeat to Paraguay and quarter-final exit to Uruguay in the Copa America 2024 has ensured a difficult start to life in charge for Dorival Junior. "Those who are abroad are not better than those here," President Lula said. "In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad), so give opportunities to those who are here."

Interestingly, a 2-1 win over Chile in the CONMEBOL FIFA World Cup Qualifier saw Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique net. Both these stars are representatives of Brazilian side Botafogo. If Brazilian Football decides to follow Lula da Silva’s suggestions, fans might not see established stars Vinicius Jr, Neymar Jr, Rodrigo, and Alisson on the field while the country enters the ‘rebuilt mode’ in football.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2024 09:53 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).