Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has criticised the national football team’s conduct following its early exit from the FIFA World Cup, describing the situation as “a disgrace” after discovering that almost none of the players returned to Brazil aboard the team’s official flight.
Speaking during a visit to the Instituto Mauá de Tecnologia in São Paulo on Monday, July 13, 2026, Lula revealed he had personally sent a message to Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Seleção’s elimination by Norway, 2-1, in the round of 16.
The president said he was struck by how few players joined the flight chartered by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) back to Brazil — of the 26 players named in the World Cup squad, only Flamengo defender Danilo boarded the official plane, alongside technical staff and confederation employees.
“I sent a message to Ancelotti, the coach of the Brazilian national team. The team went with a whole crowd and came back with just one. There was almost nobody to fly back on the team’s plane — what a disgrace. Only one player came back on the plane; the rest just went their own way. If they had won, everybody would be dancing here,” Lula said, drawing laughter from those present.
Players Scattered After Elimination
Boarding the delegation’s flight was optional, and most players opted to travel separately — some returning directly to the clubs they play for abroad, others extending their break. Forward Neymar and winger Vinícius Jr. were among those who remained in the United States, with Neymar later spotted at Disney World in Orlando and at a poker tournament.
Despite his criticism, Lula lightened the mood with a story about a robot built by a student at the institute, comparing its aggressive style of play to some of football’s biggest stars.
“The boy built an aggressive robot — it looked like Mbappé, like Haaland. I told Ancelotti, if he wants to sign someone, sign that robot, because it’ll help Brazil win the World Cup,” Lula joked.
Spotlight Stays on Ancelotti Ahead of New Cycle
The Italian manager, whose contract runs until 2030, has faced mounting criticism since the defeat, including calls from 1994 World Cup winner Romário for his dismissal. The CBF has publicly backed Ancelotti to continue, and he is expected to return to Rio de Janeiro in early September to begin preparing the squad for two friendlies against Australia scheduled for late September.
Ronaldo, Neymar And Modrić Bid Farewell To FIFA World Cup
Lula’s remarks reflect the intensity surrounding football in Brazil, where the five-time world champions carry heavy national expectations, and where the team’s failure to reach a record-extending sixth title has triggered widespread scrutiny from fans, media and politicians alike.