BRAZIL’S Europe-based heroes would be banned from international football – under a radical idea from the country’s president.
Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva claims “there are no stars” abroad – a big surprise to fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr would be among a string or Europe-based superstars affected by the type of ban Brazil president Lula wants[/caption]
Man Utd duo Casemiro and Antony are others that would be shut out[/caption]
The Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.
And if such a proposal ever came into place it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a string of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.
Arsenal have three Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.
Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro or Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.
And a couple of the world’s best goalkeepers are with the Prem’s top two sides.
Alisson is currently out injured for leaders Liverpool, while fellow stopper Ederson has won six titles in the past seven seasons with champions Manchester City – now with compatriot Savinho in the squad.
And of course Spain offer arguably the South American country’s hottest talent in 24-year-old Vinicius, as well as possibly the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real team-mate Endrick.
And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.
Lula was emboldened to speak out on his hopes after Botafogo duo Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique netted in Friday’s vital 2-1 comeback win in a World Cup qualifier away to Chile.
Arsenal have three top Brazilians in their squad, including attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus[/caption]
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.
Lula claimed Brazil lack overseas players as good as legends like “Garrincha or Romario”.
He insisted their contingent abroad instead contains just “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars”.
Lula added: “In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad). So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”
However, even if his proposal gained any traction in Brazil, would almost certainly get nowhere with Fifa.
That’s because football’s global rulers have rules banning political interference in team matters.
Lula has reportedly mentioned his beliefs to Brazilian Football Confederation president Alejandro Dominguez.
But any political attempts to formally stop overseas stars from playing for the country could even lead to Dominguez being suspended
And in fact other possible sanctions include what would surely be seen as the greatest one for the country’s football supporters – being banned from the World Cup.
However, Lula’s leap into the country’s main sport did lead to an equally bizarre but more light-hearted suggestion.
One fan on X reckons the 78-year-old is a dead ringer for one of Britain’s most famous businessmen, a former Tottenham co-owner of The Apprentice fame, who is 18 months younger.
He posted: “Sir Alan Sugar needs to leave the Brazilians to it.”
Brazilian president Lula da Silva has been compared to Sir Alan Sugar[/caption]
London entrepreneur Alan Sugar has a famous Brazilian look-alike[/caption]
Who are these famous footballers?
- I was West Ham captain but I almost went to jail over bankruptcy
- I’m a former Man Utd star and I once stole a girl from Ronaldo
- I’m an ex-Man Utd star – now I own a dog-themed B&B
- I was Thierry Henry’s toughest opponent but quit to become a pastor
- I’m a former Wolves striker but I left football behind to become a vicar
