Cafu Praises FIFA's Overhaul for Ex-Players' Influence
Cafu has thrown his weight behind FIFA’s recent structural overhaul, praising a decade of changes that, in his view, have finally dragged players into the heart of football’s decision-making.
Speaking in a social media address, the Brazil legend highlighted how current and former professionals are no longer wheeled out as ceremonial figures, but are now embedded in committees, projects and working groups that influence the sport’s direction.
“Over the past 10 years, we have followed the work that FIFA and President Infantino have carried out to promote representation in football – something that had not happened before,” Cafu said. “Players and former players have been given a voice and a place at the table by taking part in committees, projects, and working groups.”
That “place at the table” is the crux of his message. For Cafu, this is not about glossy campaigns or one-off appearances in the directors’ box. He stressed that the experience earned over thousands of minutes on the pitch is now feeding directly into sporting policy at the highest level, and that those voices are no longer treated as decoration.
“Our opinions are heard, and many of the initiatives carried out in the name of the sport have been shaped by our reflections, ideas, plans, and participation,” he added.
From there, Cafu widened the lens. He spoke of football’s power to change lives, to lift communities and to open doors in places where opportunities are scarce. That, he insisted, is what underpins the former players’ involvement and why they are determined to stay in the room.
“We know how football can transform lives, improve societies and expand opportunities to people all over the world; and we are committed to continue bringing that hope to them,” he said. “We remain on hand to support the great progress that our sport has experienced in the past decade, ensuring that it continues to reach and benefit people in all the countries where football is played around the world.”
The message was clear: this is not a temporary alliance. The working groups that have been created are set to keep operating, with ex-players helping to shape future regulations, development schemes and the next wave of global projects.
The ambition is sweeping. Cafu and his peers want the game’s ongoing expansion to touch every corner of the planet, and they see this closer partnership with FIFA as the vehicle to get there.
