The old saying that ‘football and politics should never mix’ does not apply in Brazil

Football and politics should never mix, say some – but it might be the most ludicrous statement ever uttered.

The sport has long been hijacked by politics and politicians, from Franco through to Fifa. There are also questions about the current Iranian team’s support for its regime. It seems, therefore, silly to argue the point that never the twain shall meet.

There have never been such qualms in Brazil though, as the weekend’s bitter presidential election has shown.

Jair Bolsonaro actively sought out the endorsement of footballers by getting Neymar to publicly back him in the presidential election over the weekend.

In the history of the beautiful game, no country has produced more gorgeous moments than Brazil, yet here was the Selecao’s current biggest symbol – Neymar – promoting the ugly face of politics: a right-wing, wannabe dictator.

Bolsonaro has used football so much as a political tool that the team’s famous O Canarinho (little canary) shirt, worn by him and his supporters, has now become a political symbol.

His attempts to get back into the Palacio da Alvorada may have failed, but he was just continuing a long political tradition in Brazil. The country’s military dictatorship was said to be responsible for putting the greatest Brazilian of all, Pele, into the 1970 World Cup team by firing the coach who would not select him in the run-up to the tournament.

Brazil’s 1982 World Cup captain, Socrates, was famously a fan of Che Guevara and Fidel Castro. His brother, another Brazilian captain, Rai, continues the family tradition in another way and is a supporter of the man who beat Bolsonaro, Lula. Another Brazilian great, Romario became an elected member for the Socialist Party.

But Bolsonaro’s tactic, in a World Cup year, has ensured something else. The co-opting of Brazil’s revered yellow and green shirt – worn by other legends including Zico, Rivellino and Garrincha – by Bolsonaristas ensures it is a symbol of the “Trump of the Tropics” on the global stage at the Qatar World Cup later this month.

Brazilians who oppose Bolsonaro may have to try and reclaim the national shirt when the team’s finals campaign starts on 24 November. Or they may choose not to.

The same choice will be faced by millions of supporters worldwide who might normally have adopted Brazil as their second team. Can they really support Bolsonaro’s team?

Yours,

David Harding

International editor