Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima has confirmed his intention to run for president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), aiming to address what he describes as a deep crisis within the sport in the country.
In an interview with Globoesporte on Monday, the 48-year-old former striker, known as “O Fenomeno,” explained that his primary motivation is to restore Brazil’s international football prestige.
“I have hundreds of motivations, but the biggest one is to restore respect for Brazilian football,” Ronaldo said.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed his ambition to bring significant change to the CBF and help Brazil’s national team reclaim its former glory as five-time World Cup champions.
Ronaldo famously scored both goals in Brazil’s 2-0 victory over Germany in the 2002 World Cup final. To officially launch his bid for the CBF presidency, Ronaldo needs the backing of regional Brazilian clubs and federations. He promised to travel across Brazil to share his vision and plans for revitalising the sport.
The date for the next CBF election is still to be confirmed but is expected to take place between March 2025 and March 2026.
Ronaldo also addressed the current crisis at the CBF, pointing to dissatisfaction with the leadership of current president Ednaldo Rodrigues. The CBF has been criticised for the lack of a permanent coach following Tite’s exit in 2022 and the failed attempt to hire Carlo Ancelotti. The Selecao, under current coach Dorival Junior, are struggling in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, sitting fifth and trailing leaders Argentina by seven points.
“My issue is not with Ednaldo. The problem is much deeper,” Ronaldo explained.
Ronaldo’s leadership credentials include his role as the majority shareholder of Real Valladolid, which he took over in 2018, and his previous involvement with Brazilian club Cruzeiro, where he took control in 2021 before selling his stake earlier this year.
To avoid any conflict of interest, Ronaldo confirmed he is in talks to sell his stake in Real Valladolid to facilitate his candidacy for CBF president.
