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 – which might surprise fans of Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Ederson and Co.
The Brazilian president says he’s discussed the idea with his nation’s football chief.
And if such a proposal was ever activated it would mean the end of World Cup dreams for a host of top performers in Europe’s major leagues.
Arsenal have three leading Brazilians – all Gabriels – in Magalhaes, Jesus and Martinelli.
Two come from Manchester United, although Casemiro and Antony have been under almost as much pressure for their efforts as their struggling Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.
Meanwhile, 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 seven seasons with champs Manchester City, who now also have compatriot Savinho in their bulging squad.
Spain offer arguably Brazil’s hottest talent in Vinicius Jr, as well as the brightest prospect in 18-year-old Real Madrid team-mate Endrick.
And don’t forget Barcelona wideman Raphinha.
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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.
It means Dorival Junior’s Brazil have edged up to fourth after disappointing performances in the South American group.
Lula argued 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, it would almost certainly get nowhere thanks to Fifa rules.
Football’s global chiefs ban 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 other possible sanctions include what would surely be 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.”
