Neymar’s World Cup return has not gone to plan. The Santos forward missed Brazil’s opener against Morocco with a calf issue and is now set to miss a second straight game when Brazil face Haiti this Friday.
His inclusion under Carlo Ancelotti has become even more controversial as a result. Neymar only returned to full training a day before the Haiti match, with Brazil choosing not to take risks.
The debate around him is now a major talking point in Brazil, and president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva weighing in only proved how big the subject has become.
Lula jokes that Neymar is a ‘home office player’ for Brazil
During a visit to Belo Horizonte, where he was announcing investment in Brazil’s public health system, Lula mocked Neymar’s situation.
He said: “I saw on the Internet yesterday that Neymar is the first player in the world to be called up to work from home. A ‘home office player’.”
The 80-year-old then added: “I think in the future we’re going to have to create a Brazilian national team using artificial intelligence, we’ll make 11 ‘Pelés.’”
The comments reflect how Neymar’s absence has already frustrated many supporters.
Brazil are carrying their No. 10 through the group stage without knowing exactly when he will be ready.
Neymar and Lula already have political history
There is also a longstanding tension behind the joke.
During Brazil’s last presidential election, Neymar publicly backed Jair Bolsonaro, Lula’s opponent, turning the forward into a piece on the political board.
Lula has not always dismissed Neymar, though. He previously said the forward should be called up if he showed willingness to compete and win, while acknowledging his talent.
Now, he has again changed the tone.
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