Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of players from the local league in the national team.
He emphasized that players competing abroad are not necessarily better than those playing in Brazil and insists that the squad should include homegrown talent.
Lula da Silva's words are quoted by SAPO Desporto, citing O Povo/CBN radio:
I was sitting on the couch watching the match against Chile in the World Cup qualifiers. I recognized goalkeeper Ederson, central defender from PSG Marquinhos, Rodrygo, and Raphinha by their hairstyles. I didn’t know the other players; that shouldn’t be happening. Give a chance to those playing here in the Brazilian championship.
As of now, the Brazil national team sits in fourth place in the qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, having earned 13 points. In their recent match against Chile, the team won 2-1.