Following victories by Brazilian clubs, internet users are resurfacing Lula's statement about a 100% Brazilian national team (video).

247 - A video in which President Lula defends the formation of a Brazilian national team with players who play in the country has resurfaced and is circulating widely on social media, fueled by the impressive results of Brazilian clubs in the group stage of the 2025 Club World Cup, held in the United States.

In the recording, made during an interview with CBN Radio in Fortaleza in October 2024, Lula criticizes the idea that only athletes who play in Europe should be called up for the national team.

"Those who are abroad are no better than those who are here. We don't have any superstars out there. There's no Garrincha, no Romário out there. There are a lot of young people who, God willing, will be successful, but they aren't stars yet. And you have good players here in Brazil with the same quality," said the president.

Lula cited names like Igor Jesus and Luiz Henrique, from Botafogo, who recently scored goals in friendly matches for the national team, to illustrate his position in favor of athletes playing in Brazil. On that occasion, he also reinforced the importance of valuing national football.

The statements gained new context after two remarkable results in the Club World Cup. Botafogo beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in a solid performance; Flamengo overcame Chelsea 3-1, coming from behind, with a brilliant performance from Bruno Henrique.

These victories balance the historical dominance of European clubs since the 2000s and show that South American clubs, with better infrastructure and management, are once again competing at a high level with the European powerhouses.

Palmeiras drew with Porto after dominating much of the match, with 17 shots on goal. Fluminense also drew with Borussia Dortmund, the Champions League runner-up, despite creating the main scoring opportunities.