Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has said that Brazil still has a chance to win the World Cup, but he believes the current national team lacks a true iconic figure. He also reminded the squad, which is mainly made up of young players, that they must realize they are representing a country of 215 million people.

Lula said: “Brazil certainly has a chance to become world champions… The problem is that we no longer have a real idol.” He did not mention any current players by name, but when speaking about Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, he added: “He has brought seriousness to this team.”

Lula also urged the young Brazil squad to take responsibility. He said: “These young players must understand that they are representing a country of 215 million people. They must also always remember what they were like before they became famous.”

At the moment, Neymar remains Brazil’s biggest and most controversial football figure, having openly supported former president Jair Bolsonaro, as well as Bolsonaro-aligned congressmen such as Nikolas Ferreira.

When asked whether the Brazil national team could “unite Brazilians,” Lula did not appear overly enthusiastic, but still stated: “Even if Brazil lose, we will all be sad together. If Brazil win, then we celebrate together.”

Lula also repeated a message he used during his 2022 election campaign, once again speaking about reclaiming the Brazil national team shirt. Over the past decade, the Brazil jersey has become increasingly associated with the political right within the country. Lula said: “I’m not worried about right-wing supporters wearing the Brazil shirt. I’ll wear it during the matches too, because I’m Brazilian, and I supported Brazil before they did. Back in 1954, when Brazil lost at the World Cup in Switzerland, I was already supporting the national team before they were even born.”