Brazilian football legend Ronaldo de Lima has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), citing a lack of openness to his proposals.
The former striker, who led Brazil to two World Cup victories, had announced his intention to run against current CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues in the 2026 election.
However, less than three months after declaring his candidacy, the 48-year-old has stepped away from the race.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, Ronaldo expressed disappointment over the unwillingness of the majority of CBF-affiliated federations to engage with his vision.
He revealed that 23 out of the 27 federations declined to meet with him or consider his plans.
“I found 23 doors closed,” Ronaldo stated.
“The federations refused to receive me in their homes, arguing that they were satisfied with the current administration and supported the re-election.
I was unable to present my project, share my ideas, and hear them as I would have liked. There was no openness to dialogue.”
Moreover, he acknowledged that without the support of those in power, his efforts would be in vain.
“If the majority with the power to make decisions believes that Brazilian football is in good hands, my opinion matters little,” he remarked.
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, emphasized that transparency, unity, and open dialogue are essential for the growth of Brazilian football.
“The path to the evolution of Brazilian football is, above all, dialogue, transparency, and unity,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Ronaldo has remained active in football management. In 2018, he acquired a controlling 51% stake in Spanish club Real Valladolid, though he later sold his share in Cruzeiro, the Brazilian club where he started his career.
His decision to step back from the CBF presidency signals his focus on personal and professional growth while ensuring that his future remains aligned with his long-term interests.
The withdrawal has sparked discussions within the Brazilian football community regarding the structure of leadership within the federation.
Ronaldo, who scored 62 goals for Brazil and played a key role in their 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cup campaigns, will continue to be a respected figure in global football.
His legacy, both on and off the pitch, remains intact as he navigates his next steps in the sport.qa
