Ronaldo de Lima has officially withdrawn his candidacy for the presidency of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF).
The Brazilian football legend, who netted 62 goals for his country and helped them reach three consecutive World Cup finals between 1994 and 2002—winning twice—had planned to challenge incumbent Ednaldo Rodrigues in the 2026 election. However, less than three months after announcing his candidacy, the 48-year-old has decided to step down from the race.
In a statement posted on his social media accounts, Ronaldo explained that 23 of the 27 federations that make up the CBF showed no interest in hearing his presidential proposal, which he described as an effort “to give a voice and space to the clubs.”
“I found 23 doors closed,” Ronaldo wrote. “The federations refused to receive me, saying they were satisfied with the current administration and supported re-election. I couldn’t present my project, share my ideas, or engage in the dialogue I hoped for. There was no openness to conversation.”
Ronaldo further stated, “If the majority with the power to make decisions believes Brazilian football is in good hands, my opinion matters little.”
He concluded by emphasizing that “the path to the evolution of Brazilian football is, above all, dialogue, transparency, and unity.”
Ronaldo, widely regarded as one of Brazil’s greatest footballers, bought a 51% controlling stake in La Liga’s Real Valladolid in 2018 and sold his stake in Brazilian club Cruzeiro, where his professional career began, last year. Notable for being named the 1998 World Cup’s Player of the Tournament and winning the Golden Boot in 2002, Ronaldo is celebrated as one of the greatest to ever play the game.
