FIGC President: A Former Ballon d’Or Winner Emerges Between Malagò and Galliani

Gianni Rivera is entering the race for the presidency of the FIGC and issuing a direct challenge to Adriano Galliani and Giovanni Malagò. The former star player for Milan and the national team is putting himself forward to lead Italian soccer, opposing the possibility that the other two executives might take on the role. He made these remarks on Tuesday, October 27, during the radio program *Un giorno da pecora*, broadcast on Rai Radio 1.

“Galliani or Malagò as president of the Italian Football Federation? I say Rivera—I should be the one to do it, but they don’t really understand it; I don’t know if they’re capable,” declared the 1969 Ballon d’Or winner, naming himself as a candidate to lead the federation.

Rivera then continued with even stronger words directed at his potential rivals: “If someone who understands soccer goes there, it’s dangerous; I’d go there and take care of soccer—those two aren’t up to the task.” This stance comes amid a period of debate among the potential candidates to succeed as head of the FIGC.

This is not the first time Rivera has put himself forward as a candidate to lead Italian soccer. The former AC Milan star is once again asserting his availability, claiming he can contribute directly to the management and revitalization of the sport.

During his radio interview, Rivera also shared his thoughts on Harry Kane being awarded the 2026 Ballon d’Or. The former Italian soccer player, who won the award in 1969, agreed with the choice of the winner: “The right choice—I would have given it to Kane too.”