Brazil President Lula mocks Neymar's World Cup absence with 'Work-From-Home' jibe

FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil President Lula joked that Neymar is the national team's first "work-from-home" player as the injured star continues his recovery and pushes to return for Brazil's World Cup match against Scotland.

In Short

• Lula jokes Neymar is Brazil's first 'work-from-home' player
• Lula jokes Neymar is Brazil's first 'work-from-home' player
• Ancelotti to decide on Neymar's Scotland match availability

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has sparked attention with a humorous remark about Neymar's injury-hit FIFA World Cup campaign, joking that the star forward has become the national football team's first "work-from-home" player.

Lula made the comment during an event in Belo Horizonte, the capital of Brazil's Minas Gerais state, while announcing investments for the country's public healthcare system. During an interaction with the audience, the president asked a young boy who he considered the best player in the Brazil team.

"Neymar," the child replied.

The response prompted laughter from Lula, who said: "Neymar isn't even playing, man. Neymar is the world's first 'work-from-home' national team player. A work-from-home player."

The Brazilian leader then revealed that he had come across the joke on social media before adding another tongue-in-cheek comment.

"I saw that on the internet yesterday. Any day now, they'll have to put together a national team using artificial intelligence, eleven Peles," Lula said, referring to the late Brazilian football icon Pele, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.

The remark quickly drew attention given Neymar's status as Brazil's biggest football star. The forward has yet to play at the ongoing FIFA World Cup after suffering a calf injury before the tournament.

Neymar's absence has been particularly notable because he remains one of the most recognisable names in world football and Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer. The 34-year-old also publicly supported former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Lula's political rival, during previous elections, adding another layer of interest to the president's comments.

On the field, Neymar has missed Brazil's first two Group C matches. He was unavailable for the team's opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and also sat out Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti.

Rather than travelling with the squad for the Haiti match in Philadelphia, Neymar stayed back at Brazil's training base in New Jersey to continue his recovery programme. The forward has reportedly been training twice a day in an effort to accelerate his return.

On Saturday, Neymar took part in physical and ball-work drills alongside left-back Alex Sandro, who is also recovering from injury.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said after the Haiti victory that Neymar would rejoin the squad ahead of the team's final group-stage match against Scotland. However, the Italian coach has not guaranteed the forward's availability, with a final decision expected after training sessions on Monday and Tuesday.

Brazil are aiming to secure their place in the knockout rounds, and Neymar's potential return would provide a timely boost as the tournament enters a crucial phase.

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