Brazilian football icon Ronaldo has announced his candidacy for the presidency of the CBF, intending to restore the national team’s prestige and public interest. He aims to succeed Ednaldo Rodrigues and emphasizes the need for Brazil to perform better in international tournaments, leveraging the country’s wealth of football talent.
Ronaldo Nazário, the Brazilian football legend, has officially declared his candidacy for the presidency of the Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF), aiming to restore the revered status of Brazil’s national football team. At 48 years old and boasting 98 international caps, Ronaldo seeks to succeed Ednaldo Rodrigues, who currently holds the presidency. The former striker articulated his desire to reinvigorate public interest in the national team, emphasizing the need for Brazil to excel in major tournaments such as the World Cup and Copa America.
In his statement to Globo Esporte, Ronaldo reflected on the crucial role football has played in Brazilian society, stating, “For many decades, Brazilian football has always been the escape route for the Brazilian people when they faced daily problems.” He expressed concern over the dwindling public enthusiasm for the national side, indicating that recovery of the team’s respect and prestige is imperative.
Ronaldo brings a wealth of experience to his campaign, having won the World Cup twice, in 1994 and 2002, and holding the distinction of being the second highest goal scorer in World Cup history, with 15 goals. Notably, his international career, which spanned from 1994 to 2011, also included two Copa America titles and an Olympic bronze medal. Brazil’s national team has struggled to replicate past successes, not having advanced beyond the quarter-finals in the last two World Cups.
Highlighting the current talent pool of Brazilian football, including stars like Neymar and Vinicius Jr, Ronaldo emphasized the necessity for the national team to regain its status as a leading force in international football. He asserted, “Brazil has to be a protagonist in the World Cup, in the Copa America; it cannot miss out on the Olympics. It is unacceptable for the talent we have.”
In pursuit of his presidential aspirations, Ronaldo has indicated that he will divest his ownership stake in Real Valladolid, a La Liga team, to fully devote himself to the CBF role. The election for CBF’s presidency must occur within the next year, prior to Rodriguez’s term ending in March 2026.
The Confederation of Brazilian Football (CBF) oversees football activities in Brazil and is responsible for both the national team and the management of various regional competitions. Brazilian football has a rich history marked by five World Cup victories, yet there have been growing concerns regarding the national team’s performance in recent years, notably its failure to progress past the quarter-finals of the World Cup since 2002. Ronaldo, known for his illustrious career and impressive accolades, aims to leverage his popularity and experience to revitalize Brazil’s footballing stature.
In conclusion, Ronaldo’s candidacy for the presidency of the CBF marks a significant moment in Brazilian football, aiming to reinstate the national team’s historical prestige and public appeal. With his illustrious background and passionate commitment to revitalizing Brazilian football, he aspires to inspire both players and fans alike as the country seeks to reclaim its dominant position in the sport.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
