Ednaldo Rodrigues was re-elected as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday, March 24, 2025, securing his second term amidst significant competitive drama in sports management. Notably, the ex-Brazilian international football star, Ronaldo, had just stepped back from the presidential race after finding limited support. Indeed, it was a remarkable moment in Brazilian sports history as Ednaldo’s unanimous election was the first of its kind, with all 67 voters standing behind him.
The election's timing was accelerated due to a loophole in the CBF's statutes, which originally scheduled the vote for March 2026. In a triumph he described as one celebrating democracy and unity, Ednaldo stated, “Today we celebrate not only the confirmation of our work in the re-election but the triumph of democracy, dialogue, freedom, and autonomy of sports organizations.” His commitment to Brazilian football runs until 2030.
However, the celebration was swiftly overshadowed by troubling news from the national team. Just a day later, on Tuesday, March 25, Brazil faced Argentina in the 14th round of the South American Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup, suffering a humiliating 4-1 defeat. This result reignited criticism towards both the team’s performance and the management, with fans expressing their dissatisfaction prominently on social media.
Ednaldo, addressing the media before the match, had reassured the public that coach Dorival Júnior had the full backing of the CBF. Advocating for a long-term view on coaching performance, he indicated that evaluation shouldn’t just stem from a single match or training session: “I cannot control the result on the field,” he said, but he believes the team is united and working diligently. “Sometimes the result doesn't come, but that doesn't mean the work hasn't been efficient,” Ednaldo added, highlighting the broader context of the team’s efforts.
Despite these assurances, the defeat stirred media inquiries about the coach’s position. When asked if there was a push to replace Dorival, Ednaldo retorted, “Are you looking to take Dorival out?” This pointed question suggested the tension surrounding public expectations versus the realities of competitive sports management.
After the devastating loss, Dorival Jr. publicly defended Ednaldo, sparing him from blame during a press conference. According to Dorival, Ednaldo has consistently been supportive of their endeavors: “I would be very disloyal if I said anything about the president and the CBF. He has never failed to support us,” he affirmed, stressing Ednaldo’s continued presence and backing through ups and downs.
Amid this backdrop, questions remain about the future of Brazilian football under Ednaldo's presidency. While he starts his tenure with strong institutional support, including unanimous backing from the federations and Série A and B clubs, performance on the field will likely dictate public sentiment in the months ahead.
The CBF, which oversees the national team and the management of football in Brazil, faces an uphill battle. Observers note that the perspective of major stakeholders like Ronaldo, who withdrew citing lack of support as he attempted to campaign for a different direction, adds complexity to the mix. He remarked, “In my first contact with the 27 affiliates, I found 23 closed doors. The federations refused to meet me in their homes, citing satisfaction with the current management.” This illustrates the tightly knit nature of Brazilian football’s administrative landscape.
While awards and accomplishments loom on the horizon, one pressing matter is the impact of the recent election and subsequent team performance on Ednaldo’s effectiveness as a leader. Although he was elected with considerable authority, he will need to demonstrate that he can navigate the stormy waters of competitive football management. The upcoming World Cup in 2026 will be the first major test of his leadership—how he addresses the team's dynamics and the current job of the coach in light of the team’s results could shape his legacy at the CBF.
In summary, while Ednaldo Rodrigues begins his second term at the helm of CBF with unanimous support and clear vision, the road ahead remains fraught with challenges, not least those stemming from the team’s crushing defeat to Argentina. The confluence of administrative success and on-field performance will define his and Brazil's journey in the years leading to the next World Cup.
