Javier Pastore, Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso have publicly backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino as debate intensifies over the organisation’s leadership ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
The three former Argentina internationals released a joint statement defending Infantino’s record and highlighting what they described as a greater role for players since he took charge of FIFA.
“Over the past decade, we have witnessed FIFA and President Infantino’s commitment to ensuring the representation of players in the world of football, something that did not exist before,” they wrote on their Instagram accounts.
Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso said current and former players now have “a voice that is heard and an active role” through their involvement in a range of committees, projects and working groups.
Their intervention comes at a time of growing opposition to Infantino and increasing debate about the future direction of FIFA. A number of former international players have recently called for changes to the organisation’s leadership.
The group of former players voicing opposition includes France internationals Mikael Silvestre, Emmanuel Petit, Robert Pires, Olivier Dacourt, Louis Saha, Frederic Piquionne and Jessica Houara-D’Hommeaux.
In contrast, Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso defended the current structure and said their participation had produced tangible benefits for football.
“Our opinions are heard, and many useful initiatives for football are taking shape thanks to our contributions, ideas, projects and active participation,” they said.
The statement represents a significant public show of support for Infantino while criticism of his presidency is increasing and the dispute over FIFA’s future leadership becomes more pronounced.
Infantino, who heads world football’s governing body, is approaching an election year in which the organisation’s administration and direction are expected to remain central issues. The backing from Pastore, Zanetti and Cambiasso places the contribution and representation of players at the heart of their defence of the current leadership.
Their statement was presented as a response to the wider criticism surrounding FIFA rather than as a detailed discussion of individual policies. The former Argentina players focused instead on their experience of working within the organisation’s committees, projects and working groups, arguing that players now have a more influential position than they did previously.
That view contrasts with the calls from several former France internationals for a change in FIFA’s management. The differing positions underline the growing divide over Infantino’s presidency as the March 2027 election approaches.
With the election still ahead, the public support of three prominent Argentine football figures gives Infantino an important endorsement at a time when scrutiny of his leadership is intensifying. Their comments also reinforce the argument that former and current players should have a direct role in shaping initiatives connected with the sport.
