Did Neymar break a tacit agreement between the players of the Brazilian selection by committing to Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential campaign? This is according to the Spanish daily Sport on Wednesday. The newspaper explains that the PSG star went against the general position of the Seleçao locker room. The Auriverde internationals, who are among the favorites for the next World Cup in Qatar, have reportedly agreed not to publicly express a preference for the far-right incumbent president or his left-wing opponent Lula, who won by a short header on Sunday.
The reason ? The very tense political climate in Brazil, where the debate is polarized between supporters of Jair Bolsonaro and supporters of the former president back in charge, Lula. Several voters of the latter have also targeted Neymar in songs sung in the streets after the victory of their favorite. “Neymar, go pay your taxes! “, “Neymar, you will have to make your statement! “, we could hear in the streets of Sao Paulo, the economic capital of the country.
An allusion to Lula’s reaction to the Brazilian number 10’s displayed support for his rival. “I think he is afraid that if I win the election, I will know what Bolsonaro forgave him (about) they said this (in matter) income tax”, reacted the elected left-wing candidate, already president between 2003 and 2011.
Tensions between Lula and the Neymar clan
A reference to the favorable decisions that the player obtained in a case of tax evasion in Brazil, and to the lawsuit in Barcelona for tax irregularities during his transfer to Barça in 2013. The entourage of Neymar had responded via a statement, him asking for proof of this “false declaration”.
Beyond simple personal support, posted on social networks in September, the PSG player promised before the second round to Jair Bolsonaro to dedicate his first goal scored with Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar. Two other members of the Seleçao and former PSG players, captain Thiago Silva and side Dani Alves, had followed in Neymar’s footsteps by also showing their support for the outgoing president.
PSG captain Marquinhos refused to commit, calling for mutual respect. “If one thinks one way, the other can think other things. This is also politics, democracy, explained the defender. Elections are always very delicate debates. Everyone just has to think well and study their vote well to make a good choice. »