BRASILIA – Brazil’s President, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, had an emotional moment when he lifted and kissed the original FIFA World Cup trophy during an official ceremony in Brasilia. At the event, the president expressed his firm confidence that the Brazilian national team will achieve its sixth world title.
During his speech, Lula set aside the prepared speech to focus on the ambition of winning the championship. The president shared his conversation with the current coach, Carlo Ancelotti, whom he described as a serious and dedicated coach, focused on calling up only players in optimal condition. “He is not going to call anyone by name,” Lula emphasized.
We are completing 24 years without a title, but I am convinced that we are going to win this Cup
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Historical Figures Present
The ceremony was attended by legends of Brazilian football, both male and female. Among those present were Cafu, captain of the pentacampeonato; Pepe, two-time world champion; and Formiga, historic midfielder with seven World Cups and seven Olympic Games to her credit.
Jairzinho, a star of the 1970 World Cup.
Following FIFA protocol, the trophy, made of solid gold, was handed to the leader by Cafu, the last Brazilian captain to lift the Cup, as only heads of state and world champions are allowed to touch it.
This act is part of the “Cup Tour”, an initiative that will take the trophy through 30 FIFA member countries, with 75 stops over more than 150 days before the start of the next World Cup, the largest in the history of the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and three host countries.
With great enthusiasm and optimism, Lula reaffirmed his confidence that Brazil will return to the top of world football.
