Ronaldo withdraws from running for Brazilian federation presidency as legendary striker insists 'there was no openness to dialogue'

The former striker had initially planned to challenge current president Ednaldo Rodrigues in the 2026 elections, but after encountering significant resistance, he has opted to step aside. Ronaldo confirmed his decision through a public statement, expressing disappointment that 23 out of the 27 federations within the CBF refused to entertain his proposals for reforming Brazilian football.

In a post shared across his social media platforms, Ronaldo explained that his intention was to advocate for greater representation of clubs within Brazilian football governance. However, he quickly realised that most federations were not open to discussion.

Ronaldo wrote: "After publicly declaring my desire to run for president of the CBF in the next election, I hereby officially withdraw my intention. If the majority with the power to make decisions understands that Brazilian football is in good hands, my opinion matters little.

"As I have already said, my first steps would be to give voice and space to the clubs, as well as to listen to the federations in favor of improving the competitions and developing the sport in their states. The necessary change would come from this strategic alignment, with the strength of the shared vision. However, in my first contact with the 27 affiliates, I found 23 doors closed. The federations refused to receive me in their homes, arguing that they were satisfied with the current administration and supported the reelection. I was unable to present my project, share my ideas and hear them as I would have liked. There was no openness to dialogue.

"The statute grants the federations the most important vote, and therefore it is clear that there is no way to compete. Most state leaders support the incumbent president, it is their right and I respect that, regardless of my convictions. I thank everyone who showed interest in my initiative and I continue to believe that the path to the evolution of Brazilian football is, above all, dialogue, transparency and unity."

Beyond his legendary playing career, Ronaldo has been actively involved in football administration in recent years. In 2018, he acquired a 51 percent controlling stake in Spanish club Real Valladolid, overseeing their journey in La Liga and the second division. Additionally, he previously owned Brazilian club Cruzeiro, the team where he started his professional career. However, he decided to sell his stake in the club last year, allowing a new ownership structure to take over.

While Ronaldo’s bid for presidency has ended, the focus now shifts to Brazil’s World Cup qualification campaign. The Selecao will return to action on March 20, hosting Colombia in a crucial CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup Qualifier. Five days later, on March 25, they will travel to Buenos Aires for a much-anticipated South American Clasico against Argentina. The game will be an opportunity for Brazil to close the gap on their arch-rivals, who currently sit atop the CONMEBOL standings, seven points ahead of them after 12 matches.