Criticism Mounts Over Brazilian Selectors’ Bias Towards Domestic League.
Brazilian national team selectors are facing scrutiny for their apparent preference for players in the weaker Brazilian league, while overlooking talents in the increasingly competitive Saudi Pro League. The trend was highlighted by Fabinho, who referenced Alex Telles’ call-up only after his move to Botafogo, despite strong performances for Al Nassr. Similarly, Neymar’s return to Santos from Al Hilal saw him regain national team favor, raising questions about the selectors’ criteria.
Fabinho’s comments highlight a recurring trend in Brazilian football, where players returning home from abroad often regain the attention of national selectors. Neymar’s inclusion after his Santos return further reinforces this pattern, sparking discussions about the preference for domestic-based players in Brazil’s squad selections.
Alhilal’s young top goalscorer Leanardo has also expressed with a tweet on X.
With the Saudi league attracting global stars and offering high-level competition, critics argue that Brazilian players thriving there are being unfairly neglected. The selectors’ focus on domestic-based players, many of whom compete in a less rigorous league, has sparked debate about whether Brazil is missing out on top talent by ignoring those excelling in stronger foreign leagues.
