Lula wishes the Seleção good luck and says Neymar can "make a difference"

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) wished the Brazilian team good luck this Sunday (5), before the match against Norway in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for 5pm.

In a video published on social media, Lula stated that Neymar can "make a difference" if he is physically recovered and able to take the field.

At the beginning of the recording, the president showed a picture of Náutico, from 1958, founded by his brother Vavá and other brothers in Vila Carioca.

"Look, this sticker here, from 1958, is a lowland team called Náutico, which my brother Vavá and my other brothers founded in Vila Carioca. I'm going to stick the Náutico sticker here in honor of my brother Vavá. I'm going to take advantage of the fact that I found the photo of Náutico and talk about the Brazilian team today against Norway", he said.

Next, Lula highlighted that he expects the Brazilian team to win. "I think the Brazilian team today has to win the game. It's not just because I'm Brazilian, because I'm president of the Republic, because I'm a fan. Because it's important to win."

When commenting on Neymar's situation, the president said that the player could be decisive if he is fully recovered.

"If Neymar is physically prepared, has no more pain and is fit to play, I think he can come in and make a difference. I think Brazil has everything it takes to reach the World Cup final and be world champion. I'll be cheering with my album in hand," he reported.

Lula ended his message by wishing the Seleção players luck. "Good luck to the Brazilian team, good luck to the players and may God enlighten you today."

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Source: CNN