It’s official: Ronaldo Nazário has withdrawn his candidacy for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The legendary footballer, affectionately known as ‘O Fenômeno,’ expressed his disappointment at not being able to garner support from the state federations and present his project for the CBF. In a social media post, he revealed that his initial contact with the 27 affiliated federations was met with 23 “closed doors.” The federations refused to receive him, citing satisfaction with the current administration and support for the incumbent president’s re-election.
Ronaldo noted that he respected the decision of the majority, even if it didn’t align with his own convictions. “The majority of state leaders support the current president, and that’s their right,” he said. “I respect that, regardless of my own beliefs.” This development comes after Ronaldo announced his intention to run in the next election, scheduled to take place by March 2026. His decision to withdraw from the race underscores the challenges he faced in building a coalition of support among the state federations.
In his full statement, Ronaldo explained that his first steps would have been to give voice and space to clubs, as well as listen to the federations to improve competitions and develop the sport in their states. However, he was unable to present his project or engage in meaningful dialogue with the federations. The CBF’s statutes grant significant voting power to the federations, making it clear that a successful candidacy would require their support. Ronaldo’s withdrawal is a significant development in the Brazilian football landscape, highlighting the complexities of the sport’s governance and the challenges faced by those seeking to lead it.
Ronaldo’s full statement provides insight into his thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, transparency, and unity in the evolution of Brazilian football. He thanked those who had expressed interest in his initiative and reiterated his belief in the need for a collective approach to drive progress in the sport. As the Brazilian football community looks to the future, Ronaldo’s withdrawal serves as a reminder of the intricate dynamics at play in the sport’s governance and the need for collaborative leadership to drive meaningful change.
Key Points:
- Ronaldo Nazário has withdrawn his candidacy for the CBF presidency due to lack of support from state federations.
- He was unable to present his project or engage in meaningful dialogue with the federations, who cited satisfaction with the current administration.
- Ronaldo respected the decision of the majority, despite it not aligning with his own convictions.
- The development highlights the challenges of building a coalition of support among state federations in Brazilian football.
- Ronaldo emphasized the importance of dialogue, transparency, and unity in driving progress in the sport.