Brazilian football legend Ronaldo Nazário de Lima called for stronger community engagement and full transparency in football administration, stressing that the sport represents far more than entertainment for millions of supporters worldwide.
Speaking at the World Sports Summit in Dubai, Ronaldo reflected on his experiences in football beyond the pitch, describing them as transformative and eye-opening.
“I learned a lot,” Ronaldo said. “It was a huge experience for me. I learned especially that football is not only a passion to the people — it’s their life.”
Football as a Community Responsibility
Ronaldo emphasised that football clubs and governing bodies must better understand the emotional bond between fans and the game, urging leaders to place supporters at the centre of decision-making.
“We have to listen more to the community,” he said. “We need to bring supporters together and build a true community. They must be involved in the administration of the game.”
The former Brazil striker, who has held leadership and ownership roles since retiring from professional football, highlighted that engagement must go hand in hand with trust.
Transparency as a Non-Negotiable Principle
Ronaldo underlined that transparency is essential for sustaining football’s credibility and long-term health.
“Transparency has to be 100% every time,” he said. “That is the only way to respect the people who live and breathe football every day.”
His remarks aligned closely with the summit’s broader discussions on governance reform, fan inclusion, and ethical leadership in global sport.
A Message Beyond the Pitch
Ronaldo’s address reinforced the idea that football’s future depends not only on performance and commercial growth, but on authentic connection with communities and responsible leadership.
At the World Sports Summit — held under the theme “Uniting the World Through Sport” — his message resonated strongly with administrators, club executives, and policymakers seeking to redefine football’s relationship with its supporters in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
🔗 Source
- Remarks by Ronaldo Nazário de Lima, former Brazilian footballer
World Sports Summit, Dubai
