"Thank you Rai, I watched" the broadcast of the ceremony on Brazilian television, tweeted ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003-2010).
Former Seleçao and Paris SG star Rai, 1994 world champion, made the "L" sign, like Lula, with his fingers at the end of his speech, before presenting the Socrates Prize to Senegalese striker Sadio Mane.
This prize, awarded for the first time during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, is intended to highlight footballers involved in societal and charitable projects.
Its name is a tribute to Socrates, Rai's older brother, who died in 2011 at the age of 57.
This legendary environment of the Seleçao in the 80s was also famous for his commitment during the redemocratization of Brazil after the military dictatorship (1964-1985).
"Socrates represents ideals for a fairer and more humane world. He represents the values of democracy, democracy in the sense that it's a better world for everyone, everyone for a better world," said the former PSG midfielder. on the stage of the Parisian theater of Châtelet, where the ceremony took place.
Rai presents the Socrates Prize to Sadio Mané, during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, on October 17, 2022 in Paris FRANCK FIFE AFP
"We also think of my country which will have a decision to make at the end of the month for a better world. We all know which side Socrates would be on. We would all be behind him. It's important for Brazil and the whole world. “, concluded Rai, before making with his fingers the sign “L”.
Most Brazilian footballers preferred to remain silent about their political preference at the time of this extremely polarized election.
But President Bolsonaro obtained choice support, that of PSG superstar Neymar, just before the first round.
On October 2, Lula came in first with 48% of the vote, against 43% for Bolsonaro, who nevertheless obtained a score much higher than the polls forecast.
The second round will take place on October 30.
© 2022 AFP