Ronaldo Announces Candidacy for Presidency of Confederation of…

Brazilian football legend Ronaldo has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the CBF, aiming to restore the national team’s prestige. The current president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, will face Ronaldo in elections taking place prior to March 2026. Ronaldo emphasizes the need to tap into Brazil’s talent and reinvigorate national pride in the sport as he plans to sell his stake in Real Valladolid to focus fully on this endeavor.

Ronaldo, the legendary Brazilian footballer and two-time World Cup champion, has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF). At 48 years of age, he aims to restore the national team’s prestige, which has waned in recent years, particularly since their last World Cup triumph in 2002. Currently, the Brazilian team has not advanced beyond the quarter-finals of the tournament since then, leading to a growing disinterest among fans. “For many decades, Brazilian football has always been the escape route for the Brazilian people when they faced daily problems,” Ronaldo stated, highlighting the need for a revival of enthusiasm towards the national squad.

As he embarks on this political journey in sport, Ronaldo faces Ednaldo Rodrigues, the incumbent president, whose term extends until March 2026. Importantly, elections will be held within a year prior to the end of his term. Ronaldo, who boasts a prolific footballing history with 15 goals in World Cup appearances, has shared a belief in the exceptional talent present in Brazilian football today. He expressed concern over the current trajectory of the national team, stating, “Brazil has to be a protagonist in the World Cup, in the Copa America, it can’t miss out on the Olympics. It’s unacceptable for the talent we have.”

To demonstrate his commitment to this cause, Ronaldo intends to divest from his interests in the Spanish club Real Valladolid, consolidating his focus on transforming Brazilian football. His vision includes nurturing the multitude of talented players, such as Vinicius Jr., Neymar, and others, to regain Brazil’s status as a leading force in international football.

The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) oversees football operations in Brazil, including the national team’s activities. Despite Brazil’s historical success in the sport, including five World Cup titles, the team’s recent performances have raised concerns among fans. The upcoming presidential elections for the CBF occur within a year of the conclusion of the current president’s term. This environment poses an opportunity for a figure such as Ronaldo, who seeks to bridge the disconnect between the team and its supporters by reinvigorating national pride in Brazilian football.

In conclusion, Ronaldo’s candidacy for the CBF presidency brings significant attention to potential reforms within Brazilian football. His aspirations to restore the national team’s prestige and leverage the wealth of talent available are ambitious. As the national team navigates through a period of rebuilding, Ronaldo’s proposed changes could serve to reignite public interest and confidence in Brazil’s footballing future.

Original Source: www.bbc.com