The reaction came after the president called Neymar a “home office player”; senator said that PT member scored an “own goal”
Right-wing politicians came to the defense of Neymar Jr. after the president (PT) called the Brazilian national team player “1st called home office in the world” on Friday (June 19, 2026).
The senator and pre-candidate for President (PL-RJ) said that Lula marked a “goal against”. He stated that, between the president and Neymar, “only one has space in the hearts of Brazilians”.
In a video published on his X profile, Flávio called Neymar “crack” and stated that the attacker took Brazil’s name to the world.
“You may or may not like Neymar as a player. For me, he is a great. But we are talking about a Brazilian, of humble origins, who succeeded in life and took the country’s name to the world. Lula is difficult to defend, with his mandate in airplane mode, always traveling and staying in luxury hotels with Janja”he declared.
Neymar is a star and Lula is a tourist president. Only one of them has space in the Brazilian heart and you can be sure: Brazil is on their side and rooting for the
— Flávio Bolsonaro (@FlavioBolsonaro)
The former governor of Minas Gerais and pre-candidate for the Presidency (Novo) also criticized Lula for the way he referred to “one of Brazil’s greatest recent idols”.
Zema took advantage of the statement to mock First Lady Janja Lula da Silva: “I wish, guys, if Janja was the first lady to work from home in the world. It would be a beauty for Brazil. Lots of savings and more money for what the people need”.
Is Neymar a home office player? I have a better idea.
This is how the “nation’s greatest leader” treats one of Brazil’s greatest recent idols.
I usually say that the example drags. And Brazil’s current situation is very well reflected in its leaders.
This says a lot about…
— Romeu Zema (@RomeuZema)
The federal deputy and pre-candidate for the Senate for Roraima (PL) declared that Lula “belittles the performance” by Neymar. In his profile on X, he wrote that the president “I really like to praise other types of people”without explaining who he was referring to.
Neymar is recognized worldwide for his talent in football, he is going through a period of recovery and Lula belittles his performance, in fact, he really likes to praise other types of people… you know that well!
Lula’s values always inverted— Helio Lopes (@depheliolopes)
