Brazilian football legend Ronaldo de Lima has decided to withdraw his candidacy for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF). The former striker, who dazzled fans with his incredible talent and goal-scoring prowess, had been planning to challenge the incumbent, Ednaldo Rodrigues, in the upcoming 2026 election.


Ronaldo, who scored 62 goals for the national team and played a vital role in Brazil's success across three World Cups from 1994 to 2002 winning the tournament twice made headlines when he announced his intention to run for the CBF presidency just three months ago. However, his recent statement shared on social media reveals a disappointing reality: out of the 27 federations that constitute the CBF, 23 were not interested in engaging with his vision for the future of Brazilian football.


In his message, Ronaldo expressed his frustration, stating, "I found 23 doors closed." He elaborated on his desire to bring a fresh perspective to the federation, focusing on giving a voice to the clubs and fostering open dialogue. Unfortunately, those aspirations were met with resistance, as many federations indicated their satisfaction with the current administration and expressed support for Rodrigues’ re-election.


Ronaldo emphasized the importance of dialogue, transparency, and unity in driving the evolution of Brazilian football. He lamented the missed opportunity to share his ideas and listen to the federations' concerns, stating, "If the majority with the power to make decisions believes that Brazilian football is in good hands, my opinion matters little."


Beyond his political aspirations, Ronaldo has made significant moves in club football, including acquiring a 51% controlling stake in La Liga side Real Valladolid in the summer of 2018. He also sold his stake in Cruzeiro, the club where he began his professional career, just last year. These ventures highlight his ongoing commitment to the sport, even if his ambitions within the federation have taken a setback.


As one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, having won the Golden Boot at the 2002 World Cup and named Player of the Tournament in 1998, Ronaldo’s insights into football remain invaluable. His withdrawal from the CBF election serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in football governance and the need for open dialogue among those who shape the sport's future in Brazil. 


With Ronaldo stepping back from this election, the future of the CBF presidency remains uncertain, but his call for dialogue and evolution in Brazilian football will surely resonate with many fans and stakeholders in the sport.