A group of renowned former football players, including Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, and Christian Vieri, have publicly endorsed Gianni Infantino as he prepares for the upcoming FIFA presidential elections. These endorsements come in the wake of a series of controversies surrounding FIFA’s leadership.

Zanetti, Cambiasso, and Javier Pastore released a joint letter on social media commending the progress made under Infantino’s presidency, particularly in enhancing player representation within the sport.

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In the letter, they stated, “Over the last 10 years, we have witnessed the commitment of FIFA and Gianni Infantino to ensuring that footballers are represented in the world of football, something that did not exist before,” as reported via SportMediaset.

The letter further emphasized that players and former players now have a voice and a tangible role in football due to their participation in committees and initiatives. “Our opinions are listened to and many initiatives benefiting football are the direct result of our contributions, ideas, planning, and active participation.”

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Angel Delgado/Getty Images)

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Zanetti and Cambiasso’s Endorsements Highlight Their FIFA Roles

These endorsements are not entirely neutral. Zanetti has held the position of vice-president of FIFA’s Social Responsibility Committee since last year, a role extending to 2029, while Cambiasso is part of FIFA’s Technical Study Group. Pastore, who does not have a formal role, shared the letter in full.

Cannavaro, now the head coach of Uzbekistan, and Materazzi, in a separate statement, expressed, “Over the last 10 years, world football has improved. Over the last 10 years, male and female players have returned to the centre. Over the last 10 years, Gianni Infantino, as FIFA president, has done a great job. Not to recognize it would be intellectually dishonest, as well as a serious distortion.”

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – MARCH 30: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of Uzbekistan, reacts during the international friendly match between Uzbekistan and Venezuela on March 30, 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (Photo by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Images)

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This show of support arrives at a challenging time for Infantino, as FIFA faces significant political turmoil stemming from his proposal to fund World Cups via private equity and several executive resignations. Additionally, he has faced scrutiny from other FIFA Legends, including Juan Sebastian Veron, Robert Pires, and Mikael Silvestre, who have called for changes in leadership. Furthermore, the FIGC recently withdrew its backing for Infantino’s candidacy, leading Serie A Lega president Ezio Simonelli to publicly suggest that more time was needed for this decision.

Gianni Infantino has received public backing from a group of high-profile former players, with Javier Zanetti, Esteban Cambiasso, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and Christian Vieri among those signing letters of support ahead of the FIFA presidential elections.

Zanetti, Cambiasso and Javier Pastore published a joint letter on social media praising the direction FIFA has taken under its current president and highlighting the access granted to players.

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“Over the last 10 years, we have witnessed the commitment of FIFA and Gianni Infantino to ensuring that footballers are represented in the world of football, something that did not exist before,” the letter reads, via SportMediaset.

“Players and former players, through their involvement in committees, projects and working groups, now have a voice and a real role in the sport. Our opinions are listened to and many initiatives benefiting football are the direct result of our contributions, ideas, planning and active participation.”

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – JUNE 11: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Mexico and South Africa at Mexico City Stadium on June 11, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. (Photo by Angel Delgado/Getty Images)

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Zanetti and Cambiasso no surprise on Infantino due to FIFA positions

The endorsements are not entirely disinterested. Zanetti has served as vice-president of FIFA’s Social Responsibility Committee since last year, a post that runs to 2029, while Cambiasso sits on the organisation’s Technical Study Group. Pastore holds no formal role and shared the message in full regardless.

Cannavaro, now Uzbekistan head coach, and Materazzi went further in a separate statement. “Over the last 10 years, world football has improved,” the 2006 World Cup winners said. “Over the last 10 years, male and female players have returned to the centre. Over the last 10 years, Gianni Infantino, as FIFA president, has done a great job. Not to recognise it would be intellectually dishonest, as well as a serious distortion.”

TASHKENT, UZBEKISTAN – MARCH 30: Fabio Cannavaro, Head Coach of Uzbekistan, reacts during the international friendly match between Uzbekistan and Venezuela on March 30, 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. (Photo by Anvar Ilyasov/Getty Images)

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The intervention arrives at a difficult political moment for Infantino, with FIFA shaken by the controversy over his proposal to finance World Cups through private equity and by a number of executive resignations.

It also follows criticism from other FIFA Legends, with Juan Sebastian Veron, Robert Pires and Mikael Silvestre having issued a message calling for change. In Italy, the FIGC withdrew its support for Infantino’s candidacy this week, prompting Serie A Lega president Ezio Simonelli to say publicly that he would have taken more time over the decision.