Striker Neymar, the young forward from PSG, thanked Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro this Saturday for his support. He described the moment as the most difficult of his life and explained that this experience influenced his stance in favor of Bolsonaro’s re-election bid.
“I took a stand and never said it, but at the hardest time of my life, the president was the first to publicly declare his support for me,” Neymar said during a live broadcast on YouTube alongside the president. He announced the event would run for 22 hours without interruption, a marathon show aimed at rallying voters and supporters.
“Even without a personal relationship, Bolsonaro showed love and, trusting me, stepped forward with his chest out,” Neymar added. “Now I am doing the same.” The Brazilian national team star spoke with conviction about backing the former president, explaining that the decision was rooted in a sense of shared values and national pride.
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In a broad interview, Neymar reaffirmed his support for Bolsonaro ahead of the second round of Brazil’s elections, scheduled to take place on October 30 along with the incumbent’s challengers. The debate has drawn lines among fans and public figures alike, with Neymar joining a list of celebrities who voiced their political preferences during the campaign season.
Earlier in 2019, Bolsonaro publicly defended Neymar when the footballer faced serious accusations following a report by a Brazilian model. The case, stemming from an alleged incident in a hotel in Paris, had been dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Neymar later reached out to various famous names, who expressed their willingness to publicly back Bolsonaro in front of their followers.
“He’s the right man to lead our Brazil, and we see what he’s done and what he can still improve,” Bolsonaro said. He urged young voters to listen to their families and follow their hearts for Brazil’s future.
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In a public exchange, the president emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and values such as family and liberty, appealing to anyone who wants to position themselves and express their opinions freely. Neymar highlighted the support from other well-known football players and athletes who backed Bolsonaro, underscoring a shared belief in strong leadership during challenging times.
Renowned athletes and former stars, including Ronaldinho Gaucho, Felipe Melo, Rivaldo, Romario, Lucas Moura, Robinho, Renato Gaúcho, and the futsal king Falcao, joined the show of support for Bolsonaro. Neymar expressed that facing challenges with confidence and pride would bring happiness if Bolsonaro were re-elected and Brazil achieved national triumphs such as global sports success—an undercurrent of national pride that resonated with many fans.
Bolsonaro publicly thanked Neymar for his support, praising him as an example for youth and adults alike. Neymar, who has long admired Palmeiras, a club connected with Brazilian football culture, noted his early ties to the sport and his climb through the ranks from Santos to the world stage. The marathon broadcast, a two-day event featuring artists and politicians, culminated at the close of the weekend with performances by prominent figures in the sertanejo music scene, signaling a broad cultural moment in the campaign.
Lula led in the first round on October 2 with roughly 48.4 percent of the vote, and polls suggested a tight race. The race has been characterized by shifting public opinion and a dynamic electoral landscape, with Bolsonaro showing resilience beyond what many polls anticipated. The campaign has leveraged online platforms and public appearances to engage voters and mobilize support across diverse demographics.
The campaign period has been marked by intense public interest, with Neymar at times drawing attention for his outspoken stance and public displays of allegiance. The election remains a focal point for discussions about Brazil’s direction on issues such as economy, security, and social policy, influencing how fans and citizens view leadership and national identity.
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