Kely Nascimento, the eldest daughter of Brazilian football legend Pelé, has delivered a strong criticism of the state of football administration in Brazil, saying the country’s football system is plagued by deep-rooted problems that continue to affect the national team and the overall development of the sport.
Speaking during an interview in Toronto, Canada, Nascimento said Brazilian football lacks the transparency and accountability needed for long-term success.
According to her, the system has become too closed, making it difficult for meaningful reforms to take place despite widespread recognition of the challenges facing the game.
Nascimento noted that Brazil remains one of the world’s leading producers of football talent, with many of its players starring for top clubs across Europe and other major leagues. However, she argued that the continued emergence of talented footballers has masked serious administrative and structural issues that have hindered the country’s progress on the international stage.
The activist and filmmaker said the struggles of the national team in recent years should serve as a wake-up call for football authorities. She believes Brazil’s decline in major tournaments is not due to a lack of talent but rather the result of poor management and ineffective leadership within the football system.
Brazil’s disappointing outing at the 2026 FIFA World Cup reinforced those concerns. The five-time world champions were eliminated following a 2-1 defeat to Norway, marking their earliest World Cup exit in more than three decades. It was the first time since 1990 that Brazil failed to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament.
The result added to growing frustration among supporters who have watched the national team struggle to replicate the dominance that once made Brazil the most feared football nation in the world. The Seleção last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2002 and have since endured several painful setbacks in international competitions.
Nascimento revealed that her late father had long voiced concerns about the direction of Brazilian football. Pelé, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, often spoke about the need for better organisation, stronger leadership and improved development structures to ensure the country’s continued success.
She contrasted Brazil’s situation with that of countries such as France, which she believes have invested heavily in building sustainable football systems. According to her, successful football nations are those that combine talent development with efficient administration, accountability and long-term planning.
Nascimento also highlighted what she considers a positive trend in Brazilian football: the growing influence of foreign investment in traditional clubs. She cited the example of Botafogo, which has experienced a resurgence since American businessman John Textor acquired a controlling stake in the club in 2022.
Under Textor’s ownership, Botafogo has improved both on and off the pitch, attracting attention for its renewed ambition and competitiveness. While his management style has not been without controversy, Nascimento believes his presence has introduced a level of transparency and accountability that has often been missing in Brazilian football.
She argued that foreign investors are frequently required to operate under stricter standards and oversight, which can encourage better governance practices. In her view, such changes could help modernise Brazilian football and create a healthier environment for clubs, players and supporters.
Nascimento concluded by stressing that Brazil possesses all the ingredients needed to return to the top of world football. However, she insisted that real progress will only come when football authorities address longstanding governance issues and embrace reforms aimed at making the sport more transparent, accountable and professionally managed.
Her comments are likely to reignite debate about the future of Brazilian football as the country seeks to rebuild its reputation and reclaim its place among the world’s leading football nations.
