Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has announced his intention to run for president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to address what he describes as a “deep crisis” in the country’s football.
In an interview , Ronaldo, 48, expressed his desire to restore international respect for Brazilian football and help the national team, the Selecao, regain its former glory as five-time world champions. “The Selecao must recover its prestige. I’ll do everything to ensure the players understand the historic importance of representing the national team,” he stated.
Known as “O Fenomeno” (“The Phenomenon”), Ronaldo’s illustrious career from 1993 to 2011 includes winning the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he scored twice in the final against Germany, and securing two Ballon d’Or titles.
To formalize his candidacy, Ronaldo plans to seek support from regional clubs and federations across Brazil. He has pledged to travel the country to share his vision and “incredible plans” for revitalizing Brazilian football.
The next CBF election is expected to take place between March 2025 and March 2026. Current CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues has faced criticism over the handling of coaching appointments following Tite’s departure after the 2022 World Cup.
Ronaldo criticized the disconnect between the national team and its fans, emphasizing the need to reignite public passion for the Selecao. “My goal is to bring people closer to the Selecao. Today, there’s indifference when the team plays,” he said.
Ronaldo also brings prior leadership experience to the table, having taken majority control of Spain’s Real Valladolid in 2018 and Brazil’s Cruzeiro in 2021. He sold his stake in Cruzeiro earlier this year and is reportedly in talks to sell his share in Valladolid to clear potential conflicts of interest ahead of his CBF candidacy.
