Report by TribunPapua.com journalist, Feronike Rumere

TRIBUN-PAPUA.COM, MIMIKA – The excitement for the 2026 World Cup has started to grip football fans in Mimika Regency, Central Papua.

As the biggest football tournament on the planet draws near, predictions and debates about favourite teams have become a hot topic among fans.

One of those sharing his thoughts is Papua-born senior footballer Yohanes Ferinando Pahabol, who once represented Indonesia at the 2013 SEA Games.

The player, better known as Feri Pahabol, openly declared his unwavering support for the Brazil national football team.

He even expressed strong optimism that the team known as the Selecao will emerge as world champions this year.

“For this World Cup, I’m sticking with my previous stance—true to Brazil. I’m backing Brazil all the way to the semifinals, the final, and eventually as champions,” Feri told TribunPapuaTengah.com in Mimika Regency on Tuesday (2 June 2026).

For Feri, his support for Brazil is not just about their star-studded line-up. His affection for the Samba team has been deeply rooted since long ago.

“I don’t care how strong other countries are. What matters is Brazil. I like all Brazilian players,” he asserted.

“Basically, I idolise the flag and the country itself—whoever the players are, whether retired or newly emerging,” Feri added.

Neymar as His Main Inspiration

Although he admires the entire Brazil squad, Feri admits he has a special admiration for Neymar.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, according to him, has a magical playing style that always entertains fans on the pitch.

“One of my idols is Neymar. He motivates me because he always entertains. Neymar has quality, great skill, and makes everyone enjoy watching football,” Feri praised.

He further pointed out that having players with extraordinary abilities like Neymar is crucial to keeping football exciting and unpredictable.

“If you only watch ordinary football, it might get boring. But when there’s exceptional skill like Neymar’s, people definitely enjoy watching,” he explained.

Interestingly, despite being a die-hard Brazil supporter, Feri Pahabol also admires Argentina’s attacking winger, Ángel Di María.

Although he respects and likes the Argentine player, Feri insisted that his loyalty will always remain with Brazil.

“I also like Ángel Di María from Argentina, but when it comes to my favourite team, I’ll always choose Brazil,” he concluded.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Feri hopes that the long wait of Brazil’s global supporters will finally end with the golden trophy returning to the Samba nation’s cabinet. (*)