The Dutch Prime Minister celebrated his team’s World Cup victory over the USA with a mockery of President Joe Biden: “Football has won”. Alberto Fernández thanked Argentina national team for the “soul filling” moments. Not to displease anyone, the new British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, saw England vs. Wales clash between an Englishwoman and a Welshwoman.
Leaders from around the world send positive vibes to their teams and celebrate the results achieved so far. With one exception: Jair Bolsonaro (PL). The nationalist Brazilian president, who has created the image of a football fan with dozens of public appearances in the team jersey, continues without comment on the World Cup in Qatar.
Bolsonaro didn’t even return the support he received during the election from some of Brazil’s key players, including star player Neymar, who was injured in the opening game and missed the games against Switzerland and Cameroon. Neymar, who declared his vote for Bolsonaro at a difficult moment in the election campaign, on the eve of the first round, received no public encouragement from the president.
The attitude contrasts, for example, with that of last year’s Copa America, which was played in Brazil. When the team faced Venezuela, Bolsonaro posted a photo watching the game on TV. In 2018, when the tournament was also held in Brazil, he even stepped onto the Maracanã lawn and posed with the trophy among the players.
Interestingly, his last public appearance before the electoral defeat in October was welcoming the Flamengo delegation on their return to Rio with the Libertadores Cup. On election day, he went to the airport to greet the players and pose with the trophy. After that, he was not seen in public again until the 26th, at a military event at which he did not speak.
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Traditionally, major sporting events such as the World Cup have been used by political leaders to appeal to the populace in support of the same team or delegation at a time of national unity.
Argentine President Alberto Fernández did that yesterday, for example. “Many Thanks, [seleção da] Argentina for this great joy. [Agradeço] the players and the entire technical team for their dedication, camaraderie and the great football they bring to us. For those of us who love this sport and love our country, these moments fill our souls,” he wrote on Twitter.
Joe Biden, President of the USA, recorded a video in which he interacted with players of the national team, wished the team good luck before the game against the Netherlands and warned that the sport is called “soccer”. He took a turn from the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte: “I’m sorry, Joe, but football won,” the European politician celebrated.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated today’s victory over Poland with a photo of Mbappé and Giroud and the direct message: “Wednesdays”. The defeated Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki congratulated the team. “We all saw what a great team we have. Thank you to the whole team, the coach and the coaching staff,” he wrote.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also thanked the team. “You made Australia proud on the greatest stage on earth,” he wrote, before sharing photos of the Australian crowd.
Bolsonaro’s silence on the World Cup contrasts with comments from Lula (PT), Presidentelect who will resume office in 2023. He has shown his support for Brazil on his social media, even wearing the yellow jersey of the selection. used by Bolsonaristas in recent years.