Aline Pellegrino lands Fifa 2027 legacy and relations role | OneFootball

Former captain of the Brazilian National Team, runner-up at the 2007 World Cup, and Olympic medalist at Athens 2004, Aline Pellegrino was appointed this Monday (20) as Executive Director of Legacy and Institutional Relations for the 2027 FIFA World Cup. Aline’s appointment completes the event’s executive leadership team, for the tournament to be held in Brazil.

Throughout her career, Aline Pellegrino has held several leadership and management positions, including Director of Women’s Football at the São Paulo Football Federation and technical supervisor at Corinthians Audax.

Since 2020, she has been Women’s Competitions Manager at the CBF, a role she will continue to perform alongside her new position at FIFA. She is also part of the FIFA Legends program and serves as a Conmebol ambassador, helping promote and develop women’s football.

“Throughout my career as a player and coach, I faced challenges that only strengthened my belief that sport can inspire transformation. Contributing to the impact this event can have on women in Brazil, South America, and around the world gives me even greater certainty that the decision I made in my childhood, at a time when football in Brazil was still taking its first steps, was the right one,” Aline said.

“I hope that 2027 will be more than just a major sporting event. I also believe it will be a decisive milestone in showing appreciation and respect for women in football. It should leave a legacy that goes beyond the pitch and impacts future generations,” she added.

The senior management team at FIFA’s Rio de Janeiro office is completed by Gal Barradas (Executive Director of Revenue and Marketing), Thiago Jannuzzi (Executive Director of Operations), and Patricia Hespanha (Executive Director of Administration). Currently, FIFA’s Rio de Janeiro office and the teams in the other seven host cities for the 2027 World Cup total 128 employees, 70% of whom are women.

FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis is confident that inclusive and strong leadership in Brazil will build a legacy that extends beyond the pitch.

“The women who take on the organization of the event will gain experience, confidence, and a stronger network that will shape their future roles and decisions—not to mention the unforgettable memories of leading a Women’s World Cup at home. That’s where real change happens. This tournament will create role models not only on the pitch, but in our boardrooms as well,” said Jill Ellis.

CBF president Samir Xaud also praised Aline Pellegrino’s appointment to the position of FIFA director.

“This FIFA decision fills us with pride and reinforces Brazil’s leading role on the international stage. Aline has built an exemplary career on and off the pitch. She was captain of the Brazilian National Team, an Olympic medalist, a leadership role model, and today she competently serves as CBF Competitions Manager, directly contributing to the growth and organization of women’s football in the country. Her arrival at FIFA represents not only individual recognition, but also an important step forward in valuing women’s football and increasing the presence of women in strategic positions in sports governance. We are fully confident that Aline will bring to the organization her experience, sensitivity, and commitment to the global development of football,” the CBF president said.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.