Former World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Cafu have joined a growing group of retired football stars backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino despite mounting pressure on the Swiss administrator over his controversial plans involving private investment in the World Cup.
The former Italy and Brazil defenders expressed their support for Infantino after another group of ex-players, led by former France international Mikael Silvestre, called for changes in FIFA leadership.
Infantino has faced increasing criticism following his now-abandoned proposal to open FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investment. The plan triggered opposition from several major figures in world football and calls for the FIFA president to resign.
Cannavaro, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team, defended Infantino in a social media post on Wednesday.
The former defender, who currently coaches the Uzbekistan national team, said world football had improved over the past decade and that players had regained a central role in the game.
He praised Infantino’s leadership, arguing that failing to acknowledge the progress made under the FIFA president would be unfair.
Cafu, a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and 2002, also expressed support for Infantino.
The former Brazil captain said he had followed FIFA’s work under Infantino and highlighted what he described as increased representation for players in football.
Other former stars, including Brazil’s Roberto Carlos, Argentina’s Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso, Colombia’s Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Mexico’s Jared Borgetti, have also voiced support for Infantino.
Their backing comes days after Silvestre and a group of former players issued a letter criticising the current FIFA leadership.
The group accused the leadership of allowing power and personal interests to influence decisions that should be made in the best interests of football.
Infantino has nevertheless remained determined to seek another term as FIFA president, with the next presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
The FIFA chief has also received support from several football bodies and prominent figures, even as opposition to his leadership continues to grow.
