"First goal: with two hands", launched Neymar in reference to "22", the number that voters must indicate to vote Bolsonaro, which he would mimic with his fingers to celebrate his first goal at the World Cup-2022 in Qatar (20 November-18 December), during which Brazil entered the competition on November 24 against Serbia.

"The Cup is close. It would be really wonderful, Bolsonaro re-elected, Brazil champion and everyone happy," said the No.10 of the Seleçao during an online transmission with the outgoing president, campaigning in Sao Paulo. .

'Ney' had already thrown his support behind Jair Bolsonaro ahead of the October 2 first round, rare support among footballers, who have mostly remained silent.

Neymar and Jair Bolsonaro conversed for more than half an hour, in a relaxed tone, but the Paris SG player became more serious in justifying his public support, saying that "the values ​​that the president represents are similar" to those of his family and himself.

He also said it was a gesture of thanks to the president who had publicly supported him "in the most difficult time" of his life.

If he did not specify what it was, in 2019, the superstar was accused of rape and Mr. Bolsonaro said he was convinced of his innocence.

The case has been closed.

Screen capture from video posted on Twitter by the Brazilian Minister of Communication showing star player Neymar supporting outgoing President Jair Bolsonaro, September 29, 2022 Handout @fabiofaria official twitter account/AFP/Archives

Lula had offered another reading of this support on YouTube on Tuesday.

“I think he is afraid that if I win the election, I will find out what Bolsonaro forgave him (about) his income tax debt,” said the leftist candidate, laughing.

"It is obvious that Bolsonaro has made an agreement with the father" of Neymar, added the ex-president (2003-2010), referring to the favorable decisions that the player obtained in a case of tax evasion in Brazil.

In a statement posted online, the attacker's family dismissed the "false" reports, adding: "Officials will have to prove otherwise in the appropriate forums."

© 2022 AFP