Ronaldo desiste da CBF, mas planeja revolução no futebol brasileiro

Ronaldo Nazário, a global football icon, announced in March 2025 that he would no longer pursue the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) after facing opposition from 23 of the 27 state federations. This decision, revealed on the Denilson Show podcast, highlighted the barriers within the electoral system that favors established groups and hinders new leadership. Despite this setback, the former player pledged to continue his commitment to Brazilian football, seeking ways to inspire structural changes. This incident reignited discussions regarding governance in the sport, amid challenges such as instability within the national team and criticism of CBF’s leadership. This development marks a crucial period for the country’s football, characterized by calls for transparency and renewal.

Ronaldo’s aspiration to lead the CBF began in December 2024 when he announced his intention to challenge the then-president, Ednaldo Rodrigues. Aiming to restore the prestige of Brazilian football, the former striker sought backing from federations and clubs but encountered significant resistance. Although his withdrawal was disappointing, it did not signal the end of his involvement in the sport; rather, it marked the beginning of a fresh strategy to shape the future of football in Brazil.

• Main points of Ronaldo’s campaign:
  • Commitment to modernizing CBF’s management.
  • Focus on restoring the national team’s prestige.
  • Encouraging dialogue with clubs and federations for reforms.
  • Criticism of the lack of competitiveness in electoral processes.

Ronaldo’s case underscores the complexities of the system governing Brazilian football, where regional interests often override structural reforms. The growing pressure for change could reshape the future of the CBF and the sport as a whole.

The CBF electoral system under scrutiny
The CBF’s electoral process stands as one of the main hurdles for new candidates. Comprising 27 state federations, each with three votes, along with 20 clubs from Série A possessing two votes and 20 from Série B with one vote, this structure disproportionately favors the federations. According to Ronaldo, this setup perpetuates control by entrenched groups and stifles new leadership. He revealed that there has never been a competitive election in the organization’s history, with alternative candidates always facing insurmountable obstacles.

When Ronaldo attempted to reach out to the federations, sending formal emails to arrange meetings, 23 responded with refusals in under 48 hours. Many cited their support for Ednaldo Rodrigues’ administration, while others did not reply at all. This closed-door scenario hindered Ronaldo’s ambitions to present an innovative project for Brazilian football. Other candidates, such as Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos, faced similar resistance, despite securing backing from 29 clubs.

Reactions in the sports community
Ronaldo’s withdrawal sparked a mix of support and scrutiny. Fans and journalists expressed disappointment over the loss of an iconic figure in the CBF leadership, while others debated his administrative experience for the role. During the Denilson Show, Ronaldo asserted that his campaign was well-structured, with a budget and team ready to engage with the federations. Only Reinaldo Carneiro Bastos and Mauro Silva from the São Paulo Federation offered initial support, but it was insufficient to overcome the systemic barriers.

The announcement also heightened criticism from former players like Cafu and Dunga, who called for greater transparency in CBF’s management. In May 2025, 20 clubs from Series A and B boycotted an election, citing a lack of democracy in the process. Led by clubs like Flamengo and Corinthians, these protests amplified the demand for changes to CBF’s statutes, which currently favor federations over clubs—the very entities that sustain the sport’s popularity.

A history of controversies within the entity
The CBF has a long history of controversies, from corruption allegations to questionable decisions in managing the national team. Ednaldo Rodrigues, re-elected in March 2025 following Ronaldo’s withdrawal, faced accusations of irregularities during his initial election in 2022. Furthermore, his choice to advance the 2026 election drew criticism for allegedly exploiting loopholes in the statutes. Previous presidents, like Rogério Caboclo, who was removed in 2021 due to harassment allegations, and Ricardo Teixeira, entangled in FIFA scandals, have tarnished the entity’s reputation.

The Brazilian national team has not won a World Cup since 2002, reflecting the challenges posed by the current management. Presently ranked fifth in the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, the team struggles with instability, despite the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as coach in 2025. When announcing his candidacy, Ronaldo emphasized the need to restore the international prestige of Brazilian football—an objective that remains challenging amid internal tensions within the CBF.

Alternative plans from Ronaldo
Although his candidacy for the CBF did not materialize, Ronaldo made it clear that he intends to remain active in Brazilian football. His experience as a manager at Cruzeiro (2021-2024) and Real Valladolid in Spain demonstrates his interest in sports projects. At Cruzeiro, he succeeded in returning the club to Série A but faced criticism regarding financial issues. He sold his stake in Valladolid in 2025, stating it would not interfere with his CBF campaign.

• Potential future initiatives from Ronaldo:
  • Investment in Brazilian clubs.
  • Projects to strengthen youth development.
  • Collaborations with former players to propose reforms.
  • Engagement with FIFA and Conmebol to advocate for transparency.

The former player also hinted at the possibility of collaborating with clubs and organizations to drive changes in the sport. His withdrawal, rather than marking an endpoint, may initiate a broader movement, potentially gaining support from other sports icons like Kaká who have criticized the lack of opportunities for ex-athletes within CBF management.

Demand for structural changes
The resistance encountered by Ronaldo laid bare the need to reform CBF’s statutes. The state federations, many of which hold little representational power, wield excessive influence, complicating efforts to modernize Brazilian football. The election of Samir Xaud, president of the Roraima Federation in May 2025, following Ednaldo Rodrigues’ court-ordered removal, intensified criticisms of the system, with Xaud, who assumed office unopposed, seen by clubs and ex-players as emblematic of the status quo.

The push for transparency has also garnered international support. FIFA, which threatened to suspend Brazil from competitions in 2023 due to judicial interferences, is once again monitoring the situation. Conmebol has replaced Rodrigues with Claudio Tapia of the Argentine Football Association on FIFA’s Council, signaling dissatisfaction with Brazilian management. These movements suggest that CBF is under scrutiny, and Ronaldo’s withdrawal may catalyze future changes.

Clubs at the forefront
Brazilian clubs, especially those in Série A, have positioned themselves as key players in the reform movement. The May 2025 boycott by 20 clubs marked a significant moment, with giants like São Paulo and Palmeiras calling for greater influence in CBF decisions. These clubs argue that while they provide the fan base and revenue vital for Brazilian football, they hold limited power in the electoral process. The tension between clubs and federations reflects a struggle for control that could redefine the governance of the sport.

Even outside the CBF race, Ronaldo maintains dialogue with these clubs to find ways to support them. His managerial experience and global influence could be valuable assets for future projects, whether in private initiatives or in partnerships with sports organizations.

Ronaldo’s legacy in sports
Ronaldo’s journey as both a player and manager underscores his significance in football. As an athlete, he won two World Cups and numerous titles, becoming a symbol of the sport. As an executive, he has faced challenges but also achieved successes, like revitalizing Cruzeiro. His departure from the CBF bid does not diminish his ability to impact Brazilian football, especially at a time when the sport seeks renewal.

His case further illustrates the difficulty ex-players face in taking leadership roles within the CBF. Despite interest from figures such as Cafu and Dunga to contribute, current structural arrangements restrict their involvement. The open letter signed by these icons, demanding better transparency, signals a growing push for change.

The future of Brazilian football
The present landscape of Brazilian football is characterized by tensions and opportunities. Ancelotti’s arrival as coach represents a step towards regaining competitiveness; nevertheless, instability in the CBF remains a significant barrier. Ronaldo’s withdrawal, though a setback, has expanded discussions around the necessity for a more democratic and transparent system. Clubs, players, and fans are increasingly engaged in the quest for a Brazilian football that reclaims its prominent place on the global stage.