Ronaldo wants to become Brazilian Football Federation president

Brazilian football is in crisis. Legendary striker Ronaldo now wants to help ensure a restart to a more successful era.

Former world-class striker Ronaldo hopes to replace current Ednaldo Rodriguez as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The 1994 and 2002 world champion announced his candidacy for the regularly scheduled elections in March 2026 in an interview with the Globe portal. “It has been stagnant for 20 years and has no prospects,” the 48-year-old criticized. “No one is satisfied.”

Ednaldo Rodriguez is the current president of CBF.Image: trapezoid

Rodriguez, 70, was accused of irregularities a year ago that are said to have led to his election in 2022. At the same time, he was removed from office by the Rio de Janeiro state court. He was returned to office only through a Supreme Court injunction.

Ronaldo: “We must remain vigilant”

Due to legal imponderables, early elections are also possible from March 2025. “These administrative scandals, these bans, these are not helping Brazilian football. We have to stay alert to see what is happening, what may happen and be prepared for this situation.” Ronaldo said. He stressed that the association's problems were not just Rodriguez's.

The last time Brazil had more than one candidate running for president was 1989. Incumbent President Rodriguez said in a statement requested by Globo that the electoral process has not yet begun. This should be done democratically and transparently.

Ronaldo looking to sell his Real Valladolid shares

In order to be officially allowed to run, Ronaldo also needs the support of some national associations and clubs. He wanted to convince them through a campaign. “The most I experience in the streets is people talking to me and asking me to play again because the situation with the national team is not the best at the moment, both on and off the field,” said the former World Player of the Year.

As CBF president, Ronaldo will have to give up his stake in Spanish first division club Real Valladolid. But that is not a problem, he explained: “We are currently negotiating a possible sale and we should get the deal done. This will not be an obstacle to my campaign.” He had already announced the sale of his stake in the club in April. (t-online.de/abu)

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