Ronaldo, the iconic figure of Brazilian football, has declared his intention to campaign for the presidency of the National Football Association, expressing a desire to restore the glory of the national team.
A 48-year-old former player, who has earned 98 caps, is set to launch a campaign to succeed Ednaldo Rodrigues as president of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF).
Brazil, the record five-time champions of the World Cup, last claimed the title in 2002 and has not advanced beyond the quarter-final stage in subsequent tournaments.
“For many decades, Brazilian football has served as a vital escape for the Brazilian people amid their daily struggles,” Ronaldo stated in an interview with Globo Esporte.
The enthusiasm that once fuelled the Brazilian people’s passion for their national team appears to have diminished significantly, as evidenced by a noticeable lack of interest among the population today.
“One of the primary motivations driving my candidature for the presidency of the CBF is the desire to restore the prestige and respect that the national team has historically commanded, a status that seems to be lacking in the current landscape.”
Rodrigues will serve until March 2026, and presidential elections must occur within the 12 months before that date.
Ronaldo, who clinched World Cup titles in 1994 and 2002, ranks second on the all-time top scorer list for the tournament, trailing Germany’s Miroslav Klose, with a remarkable tally of 15 goals in 19 matches.
The former Real Madrid striker’s international career lasted 17 years, during which time he won two Copa America titles and an Olympic bronze medal.
Since Ronaldo retired from international football in 2011, Brazil has only secured the Copa America title once and faced elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Croatia.
“With a roster featuring top talents such as Vinicius Jr, Neymar, Rodrygo, Estevao, and Endrick, the question arises: how can we not perform at our best?” Ronaldo stated.
There is a pressing need to alter this dynamic. Brazil must take center stage in the World Cup, assert its dominance in Copa America, and ensure its participation in the Olympics. Given the talent level at our disposal, the current situation is deemed unacceptable.
In a strategic move related to his presidential campaign, Ronaldo announced plans to divest his ownership of the La Liga club Real Valladolid.
