Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called on the national team to give more opportunities to players who play in the Brazilian league, softfootball reported.
Lula believes home-based players are just as talented as some of those playing in Europe and other foreign leagues. According to him, Brazil should not overlook players in the domestic league simply because they are not based abroad.
The president made the comments after Brazil’s 2-1 win over Chile, a match in which Botafogo players Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus scored for the national team.
Lula argued that there are currently no overseas-based Brazilian players in the mould of past legends such as Garrincha or Romario. He suggested that many of the players abroad are still young and have not yet become true stars.
He believes Brazil has enough quality within its own league and that the national team should give those players a fair chance.
Reports also claim that Lula has already discussed the idea with the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, as he feels selecting more local players could help promote and develop domestic football.
However, the suggestion could create a major debate around the national team. In Brazil’s current 23-man squad, only six players are based in the country, and they have limited international experience between them.
Lula, who is a passionate football fan and lifelong Corinthians supporter, has often shared strong opinions about the national team and its performances.
Brazil are currently managed by Dorival Junior and sit fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table after winning only four of their first nine matches.
With the top six teams qualifying automatically for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil will be hoping to improve quickly and secure their place at the tournament.
