No Vinicius, Rodrygo: Brazil NT to ban stars who play in Europe?

If they implement Lula’s proposition, it would mark a dramatic shift in how Brazil approaches international soccer. In the past, the Seleção has included players who had achieved great success in European competitions. Stars like Neymar, Roberto Firmino, and Thiago Silva have provided the backbone of Brazil’s success in major tournaments. For decades, their players have been among the most sought-after exports for top clubs across Europe, contributing to the nation’s reputation as a soccer powerhouse.

Brazil’s recent international form may have fueled Lula’s frustration. The Seleção endured a disappointing Copa America campaign, suffering a quarter-final exit at the hands of Uruguay, and have experienced inconsistent performances during the World Cup qualifiers. This inconsistency has placed pressure on both the players and coach Dorival Junior, who took charge of the team after the Copa America.

The recent victory over Chile, which was spearheaded by Botafogo’s Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, also seemed to validate Lula’s belief in the potential of domestically-based players. The fact that both scorers came from the Brasileirão likely emboldened the president to make his public comments. Brazil’s next match, against Peru on October 15, will be closely watched as speculation grows over how the national team’s composition might change.

PHOTOS: IMAGO