Bolsonaro’s Political Involvement
Since taking office in 2019, Brazil’s far-right president Jair Bolsonaro has sought to exert significant influence over the country’s beloved national sport – football. As a self-proclaimed fan and former player himself, Bolsonaro has made numerous interventions in the coaching and management of the Brazilian national team, known as the Seleção.
Bolsonaro’s political allies have been appointed to key positions within the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), the sport’s governing body. This has raised concerns over the potential for undue interference and the undermining of the CBF’s independence. Notably, Bolsonaro advocated for the controversial hiring of Adenor Leonardo Bachi, better known as ‘Tite’, as the Seleção’s head coach in 2016. Tite’s pragmatic, defensive-minded approach was seen by some as a departure from Brazil’s traditional flair and attacking ethos.
Ideological Impacts
Bolsonaro’s right-wing populist ideology has also seeped into his involvement in Brazilian football. The president has frequently expressed disdain for left-wing political views, and this has manifested in his criticism of coaches and players who have spoken out on social issues.
For example, Bolsonaro lambasted former Seleção manager Dunga for his support of the Movimento Passe Livre (Free Fare Movement), which campaigned for affordable public transport. The president accused Dunga of “political activism” and questioned his patriotism, demonstrating his intolerance for dissenting voices within the national team setup.
Policy Decisions
Bolsonaro’s influence has extended to policy decisions that impact Brazilian football more broadly. His administration has championed the privatisation of state-owned clubs, arguing that it will improve governance and financial stability. However, critics argue that this move disproportionately benefits larger, more commercially viable teams, further entrenching inequality in the domestic game.
The president has also been a vocal supporter of increased militarisation within Brazilian society, including calls for the armed forces to have a greater role in football. This has raised concerns about the potential for the sport to be used as a tool for political indoctrination and the suppression of dissent.
Managerial Appointments
Bolsonaro’s interventions in the Seleção’s coaching staff have been a particular point of contention. The president’s preference for ‘patriotic’ and ‘disciplined’ managers has led to the appointment of figures like Tite, who has been criticised for his pragmatic and conservative tactical approach.
Under Tite’s leadership, the Seleção have achieved consistent results, including qualification for the 2022 World Cup. However, the team’s playing style has been perceived by many as lacking the flair and creativity that has historically defined Brazilian football. Fans have lamented the perceived ‘Europeanisation’ of the national team’s identity.
Tactical Approaches
Bolsonaro’s influence has also been felt in the tactical philosophies employed by Brazil’s coaches. The president’s emphasis on order, discipline, and a strong defensive foundation has resonated with managers who have adopted a more cautious, risk-averse approach.
This contrasts with the flamboyant, attacking football that has long been synonymous with the Seleção. Iconic managers like Telê Santana and Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to World Cup triumphs in 1970 and 2002 respectively, embraced a more adventurous, possession-based style that celebrated the individual skill and creativity of their players.
Player Development
Bolsonaro’s interventions have also raised concerns about the impact on player development within the Brazilian football ecosystem. The president’s emphasis on ‘patriotism’ and ‘discipline’ over technical and tactical nuance has led to accusations that he is stifling the natural flair and expression of young Brazilian talents.
Many observers have argued that the Seleção’s recent reliance on seasoned European-based players, rather than nurturing homegrown stars, is a worrying trend that could have long-term implications for the country’s footballing identity and global competitiveness.
Domestic Competitions
Bolsonaro’s influence has also been felt in the administration and governance of Brazil’s domestic club competitions, particularly the prestigious Brasileirão league. The president’s allies within the CBF have been accused of prioritising the commercial interests of larger clubs over the need for a more equitable and sustainable league structure.
This has led to concerns about the widening gap between the haves and have-nots in Brazilian football, with smaller clubs struggling to compete financially and on the pitch. The potential for the Brasileirão to become a more predictable, top-heavy competition is a source of worry for many fans.
International Tournaments
Brazil’s performances in major international tournaments have been a barometer of the national team’s identity and the broader state of the sport in the country. Under Bolsonaro’s influence, the Seleção’s displays at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups have been met with mixed reactions.
While the team has achieved respectable results, including reaching the quarter-finals in 2018 and qualifying comfortably for the 2022 edition, the style of play has been a point of contention. Fans have lamented the perceived loss of the team’s signature flair and creativity, with a more pragmatic, defensive approach taking precedence.
Fanbase Reactions
Bolsonaro’s interventions in Brazilian football have had a divisive impact on the sport’s passionate fanbase. While some supporters have welcomed the president’s emphasis on discipline, order, and patriotism, others have expressed dismay at the perceived erosion of the Seleção’s traditional identity and playing style.
The use of the iconic yellow jersey by Bolsonaro and his supporters has become a source of controversy, with some fans distancing themselves from the national team due to its association with the president’s right-wing populism. This has led to the emergence of alternative jersey designs, reflecting the desire of some fans to reclaim the team’s identity.
Ethical Concerns
Bolsonaro’s involvement in Brazilian football has also raised ethical concerns, particularly around the potential for political interference and the abuse of power. The president’s appointments of allies to key positions within the CBF have sparked allegations of cronyism and the undermining of the governing body’s independence.
Moreover, Bolsonaro’s intolerance for dissenting voices and his willingness to criticise coaches and players who express political views has led to fears about the stifling of free expression and the politicisation of the sport.
Media Discourse
The ongoing debate surrounding Bolsonaro’s influence on Brazilian football has been a prominent feature of the country’s media landscape. Journalists, pundits, and commentators have engaged in vigorous discussions, often divided along political lines, about the merits and drawbacks of the president’s interventions.
The media discourse has touched on a range of issues, from the impact on the national team’s playing style and identity to the broader implications for the governance and development of the sport in Brazil. This debate has amplified the polarisation within the Brazilian football community, reflecting the country’s wider political and social divisions.
Societal Implications
Bolsonaro’s involvement in Brazilian football extends beyond the sport itself, as it intersects with broader societal and cultural issues. The president’s nationalist rhetoric and his emphasis on ‘traditional’ values have resonated with certain segments of the population, but have also alienated others who see the sport as a unifying force that transcends political divides.
The potential for the politicisation of Brazilian football to exacerbate social tensions and deepen existing fault lines within the country is a concern that extends beyond the pitch. As the sport remains deeply woven into the fabric of Brazilian culture and identity, the long-term implications of Bolsonaro’s influence could have lasting consequences for the nation’s social cohesion.
In conclusion, Jair Bolsonaro’s involvement in Brazilian football coaching has been a source of ongoing controversy and debate. From his political interventions and ideological impacts to the implications for tactical approaches, player development, and the sport’s relationship with the broader society, Bolsonaro’s influence has left an indelible mark on the beautiful game in Brazil. As the country navigates a challenging political landscape, the future trajectory of Brazilian football remains uncertain, with the potential for both triumph and turmoil.
