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🇧🇷 Brazil /Sports

The Neymar Era and the Gilmar Era

From Folha de S.Paulo · () Portuguese

Translated from Portuguese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • A Brazilian Supreme Court minister's social media post about the end of an era in football and a new cycle for the national team has drawn scrutiny.
  • Community notes on the platform highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving the minister's son and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
  • The article argues that both the minister and a prominent football player have contributed to the degradation of their respective institutions, the Supreme Court (STF) and the CBF, through personal and family-driven agendas.

A social media post by a Brazilian Supreme Court minister, Gilmar Mendes, celebrating the end of one era and the beginning of a new cycle for the national football team, has ignited controversy. Mendes, reflecting on the 2026 World Cup and looking ahead to 2030, offered a "just tribute" to Neymar for his "talent, category, and goals that marked an era." However, the context provided by platform users, akin to community notes, cast a shadow over his remarks.

Where do you want it?

— The playerThis quote is part of a narrative describing a tense moment, possibly related to a penalty kick, highlighting a player's individual focus over team effort.

These notes pointed to the significant influence of Mendes and his son within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Links shared by users detailed the son's involvement in federation matters and Mendes's "friendly pen" in decisions affecting the sport. This transparency, provided by readers rather than state institutions, raised questions about the "republican gratitude" Mendes expressed, suggesting a potential conflict of interest.

On the crossbar, try the crossbar

— The goalkeeperThe goalkeeper's response indicates a strategic discussion during a penalty situation, showing his engagement despite the game's outcome.

The article posits that both Mendes and Neymar have been instrumental in the "disaggregation and utter wrecking" of their respective institutions. It argues that they have transformed the Supreme Court (STF) and the CBF into sources of distrust, shame, and diminished authority. Their actions, characterized as "meticulous mockery" driven by self-interest, are seen as corrosive obstacles to establishing a constitutional jurisprudence that protects rights and freedoms, and to fostering a responsible approach to the game of football.

With me, no, with me, you idiot.

— The playerThis quote reveals the player's confrontational attitude, suggesting a personal vendetta rather than a team-oriented approach.

The author draws a parallel between the "arbitrary rites" and "monocratic obstructions" within the court and the "caviar fouls" on the field. This suggests a systemic issue where personal and familial projects, supported by a network of allies, thrive on institutional degradation. The article concludes that the shared interests between the CBF and the STF justify suspicion regarding decisions, sponsorships, and player selections, implying a deep-seated corruption that benefits a select few at the expense of public trust.

Our participation in the 2026 World Cup has ended, gratitude remains. A World Cup is built over years, with discipline and the enormous responsibility of all who wear the green and yellow shirt. Now, heading to 2030, a new cycle begins.

— Gilmar Mendes, Supreme Court MinisterThis quote from Mendes's social media post announces the end of Brazil's World Cup campaign and calls for a new beginning, framing it as a collective effort.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Folha de S.Paulo in Portuguese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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