The president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has caused a stir with an apparently bold idea that could shake up the country's national team.
Speaking to O Povo/CBN Radio in his home country, Lula appeared less than impressed with the standard of some of the Selecao's more established names playing in Europe.
Indeed, he claimed that Brazilians playing in those leagues "are not stars yet" — an apparent criticism of the likes of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Eder Militao, Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli and others.
Lula also suggested that players who play in Brazil's top domestic league, the Brasileirao, should be given greater priority when it comes to being called up to play for the national team. He argued that "those who are abroad are no better than those who are here" and that there is "no Garrincha or Romario" playing for foreign clubs, but rather youngsters who have not yet reached the level of the biggest stars.
He even claimed to have suggested the idea of naming a Brazil squad entirely comprising players based in the country during a meeting with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues.
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What did Lula say about Brazilian players?
Lula, a long-time supporter of Corinthians, shared his thoughts during a radio interview following Brazil's 2-1 win over Chile that boosted their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
His comments came after two Botafogo players from Rio de Janeiro, Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, scored the goals in the victory.
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"I have been arguing for some time that a Brazilian team should be called up with players who compete in the Brasileirao," he said. "I was with the president of the CBF in Brasília in recent days, [and] I said to him: 'Why don't you call up a team with only players from the Brazilian championship?'
"Those who are abroad are no better than those who are here. We don't have a lot of people out there, we don't have a Garrincha, a Romario... you have a lot of young people who, God willing, are successful, but they aren't stars yet. You have good players here in Brazil, of the same quality.
"And yesterday [the Chile vs. Brazil match] was something that God helped me with: the thing I've been talking about happened. The goals were scored by two players who play in Brazil, for Botafogo, so give the guys a chance here."
If such a plan were to become reality, it could dramatically change the face of Brazil's national squad. However, it's also likely to meet severe resistance from FIFA and the established rules for international football that prohibit interference from national leaders or governments.
That said, the mere suggestion from the country's president has got many in the sport talking.
This article has been amended to reflect a more accurate translation of Lula's comments.
