'Not better than those here' - Brazil's president calls for players starring in Europe to be left OUT of international squad in brutal dig at Vinicius Jr & Endrick

Following their loss against Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifying game last month, Brazil came back with a win over Chile on Thursday. The Selecao had conceded an early goal, however, strikes from Igor Jesus and Luis Henrique helped them secure important three points in the qualifying rounds.

In the absence of star attacker Vinicius Jr, Botafogo forward Henrique and Jesus stepped up for Dorival Junior's side. After the impressive show by the local stars, Brazil's president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has argued that Selecao should include more players from their own league instead of selecting players who ply their trades in Europe.

In a radio interview, Brazil's head of state claimed, "Those who are abroad are not better than those here. In Brazil, there are good players of the same quality (as those abroad), so give opportunities to those who are here."

Per beIN Sports, Lula added that he recently met the president of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) and he urged him to look at the local talents instead of going after stars like Vinicius, Rodrigo, Militao, and Endrick from Real Madrid, or Raphinha from Barcelona.

The Selecao will be back in action on Wednesday as they take on Peru on home soil in another crucial World Cup qualifying tie.