Brazil President Lula Jokes Neymar Is ‘Home‑Office’ Player at World Cup

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva referenced Brazil striker Neymar during a ceremony in Belo Horizonte, saying the injured forward is “the first player called up who is working remotely.” Lula’s comment, made after a child named Neymar as the country’s best player, highlighted that Neymar has missed Brazil’s opening World Cup match against Morocco and will sit out the group‑stage game versus Haiti because he is still recovering from a grade‑2 calf injury. The player remains in New Jersey for treatment and has only recently resumed limited training with the squad. Lula also joked that one day Brazil might need an AI‑generated team of “eleven Pelés.” The remark sparked a social‑media surge and prompted a rebuke from Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, who defended the footballer and criticized the president’s tone. Neymar’s absence continues to be a talking point as Brazil seek a win in the tournament.