Lalas Slams Brazil FA for Snubbing Cincinnati Star Evander & Other MLS Players- 'There's Bias'

Alexi Lalas won’t be happy if Carlo Ancelotti fails to call up Evander at least once in the coming months. The FC Cincinnati striker has been on fire — and Lalas believes it’s time Brazil gives him a chance.

Brazil is currently in transition. A new coach. New players fighting for spots. No Neymar. With the 2026 World Cup just a year away, this is a critical moment. Ancelotti, now in charge of the national team, is experimenting to find the right pieces — and Lalas thinks Evander could be one of them.

The Brazilian forward is one of the top performers in Major League Soccer this season, right up there with Lionel Messi and Denis Bouanga. And yet, he’s never been called up for the Seleção.

"I’m not saying Evander is the greatest Brazilian to ever lace up a pair of boots.
But here’s a guy who’s consistently scoring goals, making plays, and doing it in a league that — yes — is very different from Europe." - Alexi Lalas said.

"If your only criteria is: “You have to be doing it in Europe to matter,” — then fine. Fair enough. But let’s be honest — you’re leaving quality on the table. At the very least, take a look. Bring him in. See how he fits." - Lalas said in the most recent episode of he's podcast.

So far, Evander has 19 goals and 10 assists in 29 matches - which leaves him at 24 goals contribution for Cincinnati this season.