The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has officially re-elected Ednaldo Rodrigues as its president.

Rodrigues secured a second term on Monday, March 25, during a vote held in Rio de Janeiro.

He received unanimous support from Brazil’s 27 regional football federations and the 40 clubs across the country’s top two divisions.

This overwhelming support guaranteed his victory, especially after football icon Ronaldo Nazário exited the race earlier this month.

Rodrigues Celebrates Victory and Criticizes Past Challenges

After the vote, Rodrigues celebrated the outcome and called it a “triumph of democracy.”

“In recent years, we have suffered all kinds of prejudice and persecution,” he said during his speech.

He also claimed that his temporary removal in 2023 was a “putsch”, describing it as an unfair political attack.

Rodrigues, now 71, will lead the CBF until 2030, extending his leadership over the sport in Brazil for five more years.

Legal Trouble Nearly Ended His Tenure

In late 2023, a court ruling removed Rodrigues from office, citing procedural flaws in his original election process.

The decision sparked criticism from FIFA and CONMEBOL, who warned Brazil of possible international sanctions.

In response, Brazil’s Supreme Court reinstated Rodrigues in early 2024, overriding the lower court’s decision.

This move prevented potential suspensions of Brazil’s national teams from international tournaments.

Ronaldo Abandoned His Candidacy Weeks Before the Vote

Rodrigues became the only candidate after former World Cup winner Ronaldo withdrew from the race on March 12.

Ronaldo had expressed his desire to take charge and solve what he called a “deep crisis” in Brazilian football.

However, he said he lacked the support of the regional federations and saw no clear path to victory.

“If the majority of those who have the power to decide feel that football is in good hands, it doesn’t matter what I think,” Ronaldo said.

His decision to quit ended any real competition and made Rodrigues’ re-election almost automatic.

Rodrigues Faces Criticism Over National Team Decisions

Despite his renewed term, Rodrigues has faced strong criticism over how he handled Brazil’s national team after the 2022 World Cup.

Coach Tite resigned following Brazil’s quarter-final loss. But Rodrigues delayed appointing a full-time replacement.

He hoped to bring in Carlo Ancelotti, the current Real Madrid manager, but the plan failed.

Ancelotti chose to stay in Spain, rejecting the Brazilian offer.

Eventually, in early 2024, the CBF appointed Dorival Júnior as head coach after months of interim arrangements.

Looking Ahead to 2030

Rodrigues now leads Brazilian football into a critical period.

He must guide the CBF through preparations for the 2026 World Cup and restore confidence in the national team.

He also needs to address internal governance issues and bring stability to Brazil’s football system.

Although he enjoys strong institutional backing, fans and critics expect more bold decisions and better leadership moving forward.

Whether Rodrigues can deliver on these expectations remains to be seen. But for now, his authority as CBF president is fully confirmed.