Tom Brady sparks backlash over comments on FIFA president
Tom Brady has found himself at the centre of a storm after describing FIFA president Gianni Infantino as a “man of the people” in promotional material for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup, reports BritPanorama.
The seven-time Super Bowl champion’s remarks were delivered in a video segment intended to build enthusiasm for the tournament, but they have incited fierce criticism from football supporters globally.
Many view the characterisation as fundamentally at odds with how ordinary fans perceive FIFA’s leadership. The controversy has thrust the retired American football star into the thick of longstanding debates about governance and accessibility in the world’s most popular sport.
The backlash has been swift and unsparing. One supporter remarked, “In my lifetime, I have never seen such a big disconnect between celebrities/those in power/wealthy individuals vs regular people.” Another expressed pointed sarcasm, saying, “Nothing says ‘man of the people’ like making the World Cup unaffordable for the people lol.”
Critics contend that the expanded tournament format and rising match-day costs have increasingly placed elite football beyond the reach of grassroots supporters. Broader concerns about FIFA’s transparency and decision-making have compounded the discontent surrounding Brady’s endorsement.
Despite the uproar, Brady has articulated his belief that football possesses deep cultural roots across the Atlantic. “I think there’s always been a huge appetite for soccer in America,” he stated. “Every kid in America grows up playing soccer.”
He pointed to the sport’s presence in playgrounds and youth leagues as evidence of an organic connection that predates the current commercial boom. “They play it in the school yard. We play it foundationally with some of the leagues that we’re a part of,” he added. This grassroots foundation, Brady argues, explains why the game’s recent expansion feels natural rather than artificially manufactured.
Brady attended the World Cup draw in December and expressed considerable enthusiasm for the tournament’s expanded format. “It was great to be a part of the FIFA draw, but just to know that there are 48 countries now participating in the World Cup in all of North America is incredibly exciting because it just means more inclusion, more countries, more fans,” he remarked.
The tournament, spanning sixteen host cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is set to commence on June 11, 2026. As anticipation builds, the discord surrounding Brady’s comments serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between celebrity influence, sports governance, and fan engagement — a dynamic that continues to evolve as football prepares for its grandest stage yet.
