Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima, the Brazilian football icon, has officially announced his bid to run for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). His decision stems from a desire to tackle the profound crisis currently plaguing the sport in the country.
In a recent interview with Globoesporte, the 48-year-old former striker, affectionately known as “O Fenomeno,” expressed his primary goal of restoring Brazil’s international football reputation. He emphasized the need to bring about significant changes within the CBF to help Brazil’s national team regain its former glory as five-time World Cup champions.
Ronaldo, a two-time Ballon d’Or recipient, gained worldwide recognition for his pivotal role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup victory over Germany, where he scored both goals in the final. In order to officially kickstart his campaign for the CBF presidency, Ronaldo must secure the support of regional Brazilian clubs and federations. He has pledged to traverse the length and breadth of Brazil to articulate his vision and strategies for rejuvenating the sport.
While the exact date for the upcoming CBF election remains unconfirmed, it is expected to occur between March 2025 and March 2026. Ronaldo also took the opportunity to address the ongoing crisis within the CBF, citing discontent with the current leadership under president Ednaldo Rodrigues. The federation’s decision-making has come under scrutiny due to the absence of a permanent coach following Tite’s departure in 2022 and the failed pursuit of Carlo Ancelotti. Brazil’s national team, led by current coach Dorival Junior, is facing challenges in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, currently occupying the fifth position and trailing behind Argentina by seven points.
Ronaldo clarified that his concerns extend beyond the current president, emphasizing that the issues run much deeper. His credentials as a leader include his majority ownership of Real Valladolid, which he acquired in 2018, and his brief stint with Brazilian club Cruzeiro, where he assumed control in 2021 before divesting his shares earlier this year.
In a bid to uphold transparency and avoid any potential conflicts of interest, Ronaldo disclosed that he is in discussions to sell his stake in Real Valladolid to facilitate his candidacy for the CBF presidency. As he prepares to embark on this new chapter in his football career, Ronaldo remains steadfast in his commitment to revitalizing Brazilian football and steering the national team towards a brighter future.
