Legendary players back embattled FIFA president Gianni Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has won public backing from several South American football legends as pressure grows over his leadership. The support follows rising doubts from confederations including CONCACAF, UEFA and the AFC after Infantino’s controversial plan to sell part of FIFA’s operations to private investors collapsed. After England’s Lucy Bronze and other prominent voices criticized him on Aug. 25, more former players endorsed him on Aug. 26. Brazil icons Cafu and Roberto Carlos, and Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso and Javier Pastore backed Infantino. Italy’s Christian Vieri and Portugal’s Pepe also issued statements. Mexico legend Jared Borgetti joined in support. Infantino faces re-election in March 2027.