Ronaldo withdraws from Brazilian football presidential race due to lack of support

Ronaldo Nazario attends the 2025 Club World Cup draw in the U.S. in December 2024. Photo by Reuters

Ronaldo, a two-time World Cup champion, announced his candidacy in December 2024, aiming to restore the reputation of Brazilian football amid ongoing concerns under current president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

However, on March 12, Ronaldo announced on social media that he was ending his campaign.

"I found 23 closed doors among the 27 regional federations," Ronaldo wrote. "They refused to meet with me, saying they were satisfied with the current leadership and supported Rodrigues' re-election. I was unable to present my project, share my ideas and have them heard as I would have liked. If the majority of those who decide believe Brazilian football is operating well, then my opinion no longer matters."

According to CBF electoral rules, each of the 27 regional federations holds three votes in the presidential election. The 20 top-flight clubs have two votes each, while the 20 second-tier clubs have one vote each. The system gives the regional federations a significant influence on the election outcome.

With Ronaldo stepping aside, Rodrigues is now expected to cruise to the finish line in the upcoming election.

Ronaldo rose to prominence when he was included in Brazil's 1994 World Cup-winning squad at just 17 years old. Four years later, he played a key role in leading Brazil to the 1998 final, though they suffered a 0-3 defeat to hosts France.

In 2002, Ronaldo made a stunning comeback, scoring eight goals to secure Brazil's fifth World Cup title, winning the Golden Boot in the process. He also won two Copa America titles, UEFA Cup and La Liga titles.

Since retiring, Ronaldo has remained active in football. He is the president and owner of Real Valladolid, the club at the bottom of La Liga this season.

Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002. The team suffered a humiliating 1-7 loss to Germany in the 2014 semifinals on home soil and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of both 2018 (to Belgium) and 2022 (to Croatia).