Former Brazil striker Ronaldo has voiced strong optimism about the national team’s prospects at this year’s FIFA World Cup, crediting head coach Carlo Ancelotti with injecting renewed confidence and belief into the squad.
Brazil, a five-time world champion, endured an uncharacteristically subdued qualifying campaign, finishing fifth in the 10-team South American standings—10 points adrift of arch-rivals and defending champions Argentina. Despite those struggles, Ronaldo believes the appointment of Ancelotti last May has marked a turning point for the Seleção.
“I am very optimistic,” said the two-time World Cup winner, speaking to reporters. Ronaldo revealed that he has been in regular contact with Ancelotti and recently collaborated with him on a promotional campaign encouraging Brazilian fans to believe in a historic sixth World Cup title. “I know him and I know how he works, so I am far more enthusiastic now than I was before he took charge,” he added.
The FIFA World Cup will be staged from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Brazil will open their Group C campaign against Morocco on June 13, followed by fixtures against Haiti on June 19 and Scotland on June 24.
Ronaldo, who famously inspired Brazil’s last World Cup triumph in 2002 with eight goals—two of them in the final against Germany—said the tournament has the power to galvanize the entire nation. “The World Cup is the greatest joy a Brazilian can have. It is an event that brings the country together in pursuit of our sixth title, and we must seize that opportunity,” he said.
Away from the pitch, the 49-year-old also reflected on his recent decision to step back from football club ownership. Ronaldo sold his majority stakes in Brazil’s Cruzeiro and Spain’s Real Valladolid in 2024 and 2025, respectively, explaining that his involvement was driven by passion rather than profit.
“I didn’t have a financial objective. I wanted the experience of leading my own project, and it was incredible,” he said. “But once I realized that for the clubs to keep growing I needed to step aside, that was the right moment to sell.”
Ronaldo is now focusing on lower-intensity business ventures, including plans to develop a new sports complex in São Paulo featuring artificial wave pools. “After selling the clubs, I decided to pursue things that are calmer than the football industry—at least for now,” he added.