Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Luís Nazário de Lima has announced he is pulling out of the race to become president of the country’s football federation, citing a lack of support from regional federations.
The two-time Ballon d’Or winner had previously declared his intention to lead the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to address what he described as a “deep crisis” in the sport.
“After publicly declaring my desire to be a candidate for the presidency of the CBF during the next election, I’m officially withdrawing this intention,” Ronaldo wrote on social media.
“If the majority of those who have the power to decide feel that football is in good hands, it doesn’t matter what I think,” he added.
Ronaldo, 48, claimed that 23 of Brazil’s 27 regional football federations rejected his proposals and instead backed the re-election of current CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues in 2026.
Rodrigues has faced criticism for his handling of the national team, including relying on interim coaches after Tite’s exit following Brazil’s 2022 World Cup quarterfinal loss. His unsuccessful pursuit of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti led to the appointment of Dorival Junior in early 2024.
