Alisson and Casemiro could be excluded from the Brazil national team (Image: Getty)
A seismic shift could be underway for the Brazilian national football team amid a bold proposal for squad selection. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has caused a major stir after suggesting a radical policy that would see Europe-based stars, such as Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Endrick, Liverpool’s Alisson, and Manchester United’s Casemiro, barred from donning the iconic yellow jersey.
In an audacious move that has left many in the football world stunned, Lula posited that local talents should be given precedence for national selection. He argued that Brazil does not lack home-grown quality, insisting that “there are no stars” playing abroad and that the ability of players in the domestic league matches those plying their trade in Europe’s elite divisions.
He also claimed there isn’t a “Garrincha or Romario” equivalent among those playing overseas, describing them merely as “a bunch of young players who are not yet stars.”
“In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad),” Lula said in a recent interview. “So [the national team should] give opportunities to those who are here.”
The proposal comes on the heels of Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Chile in which two Botafogo players, Luiz Henrique and Igor Jesus, scored Brazil’s goals. According to reports Lula has discussed his proposal with the head of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), claiming it would help showcase domestic talent.
Vinicius Jr (R) and Endrick (L) may have to choose between playing for Real Madrid and Brazil (Image: Getty)
These developments cast doubt over the international future of some of the country’s biggest stars, with the vast majority of Brazil’s top players playing in Europe. In fact, only six of the current 23-man squad play club football domestically, and those players have just 34 caps between them.
Lula is a huge football enthusiast and a lifelong Corinthians fan. He’s no stranger to voicing his opinions on the sport and has previously criticised the national team’s performances.
Currently managed by Dorival Junior, Brazil are fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying table, having won just four of their opening nine matches. The top six teams will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the seventh-placed side will enter into an inter-confederation play-off.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1961026/Alisson-Casemiro-Brazil-national-team