Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sparked laughter with a light-hearted remark about Brazilian superstar Neymar during the FIFA World Cup 2026, jokingly calling him a "work from home player" because of his absence from the national team.
Speaking during a public interaction, Lula humorously referred to Neymar's injury struggles and time away from international football, saying the forward seems to be working from home rather than on the pitch. The comment quickly drew attention from football fans and media alike.
Neymar, Brazil's all-time leading scorer, has not been part of the Selecao's World Cup campaign due to fitness concerns and recovery issues. His absence has been one of the biggest talking points surrounding Brazil's squad, especially given his status as one of the country's most recognizable football stars.
Despite missing Neymar, Brazil national football team have performed strongly in the tournament. The five-time world champions remain among the favourites to lift the trophy and have shown impressive depth in attack and midfield.
Lula's joke was widely interpreted as playful rather than critical. The Brazilian president has often spoken about football and its importance to the country's culture, and his comments reflected the nation's continuing fascination with Neymar's career.
Meanwhile, Neymar has continued to support the team from afar, posting messages on social media and cheering on his teammates during the tournament. Many Brazilian fans still hope to see him return to international action once he is fully fit.
As Brazil pushes forward in its World Cup campaign, the spotlight remains on both the players on the field and the country's biggest football icon watching from the sidelines. Lula's humorous "work from home" remark has added a lighter moment to the tournament and once again highlighted Neymar's enduring influence on Brazilian football.
