"Brazilian football needs big changes" - Ronaldo Nazario addresses talk of him contesting elections to become CBF president
Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has addressed talk about him potentially contesting for the president's post in the next CBF elections. Ednaldo Rodrigues is currently the acting president of the Brazilian Football Confederation. While his term is set to end in 2026, elections for the next president could be held in the coming year.
Reports have suggested that Ronaldo had intentions to run for the presidency. Sources revealed (via beIN SPORTS) that the legend was looking to convince Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to take over the head coach role of the Brazil national team.
A dent could come in these plans as Guardiola already signed a two-year contract extension at the Etihad Stadium. He has led City to four Premier League titles in a row, and the City Group hierarchy is expecting this glorious era of success to continue under the Spanish tactician.
However, Ronaldo spoke about the rumors linking him to the CBF presidency. He said (via Fabrizio Romano):
“For years I have been talking about my idea of being CBF president. That has not changed. We wait for the right moment, I am extremely prepared. Brazilian football needs BIG changes. I am not a candidate, there is no election in sight. It is just my desire.”
The Brazil legend has been active within the hierarchy of football politics in recent years. He is currently the majority owner of Spanish club Real Valladolid, having bought the controlling stake of the club for a reported €30 million in 2018. He is also on the board of directors at his boyhood club Cruzeiro.
When Ronaldo Nazario shared his thoughts on the debate between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi
Back in 2023, Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario shared his thoughts on the long-standing rivalry between Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Although the two superstars are now in the final years of their illustrious careers, the duo ruled world football for two decades, winning a combined 13 Ballons d'Or.
In a conversation with the English tabloid The Daily Mail, the Brazil legend snubbed his namesake, while listing Messi among the best (via SPORTbible):
"I think there is a very, very special group where you have Diego, Messi, Cruyff, Beckenbauer, Pele, Van Basten, Ronaldinho. I would include myself. Let the fans say, let them debate it in the bars. But you can’t rank them, can’t compare generations."
The Brazilian legend certainly deserves to be in the conversation about the best players ever. Ronaldo won the FIFA World Cup twice - 1994 and 2002, while finishing runner-up in 1998. He actively participated in his country's era of dominance, also winning Copa America in 1997 and 1999.
The legendary striker played for the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, winning the Ballon d'Or twice in 1997 and 2002.
