"Someone who is always available": Francesco Totti hails Gianni Infantino a decade into his tenure as FIFA President

Francesco Totti, Gianni Infantino (Image Source: Getty)

Woven with praise from Francesco Totti, the iconic ex-captain of AS Roma and one of the most celebrated footballers in Italian history, to mark Gianni Infantino completing 10 years as the FIFA President. Looking back on Infantino's time at the top, Totti had kind words for the Swiss administrator's personal attributes and commitment to the game.“He's an amazing person, a hard worker, someone who always wants to do his best for football. We're talking about a genuine, competitive, well-rounded person, someone who is always available, always there for everyone,” Totti said, underlining the personal regard he holds for the FIFA chief.

Francesco Totti applauds Gianni Infantino’s leadership qualities

Infantino was originally elected FIFA President on 26 February 2016, succeeding Sepp Blatter during a traumatic time for the body. He has overseen substantial reforms and structural changes to restore faith in FIFA governance and increase football’s footprint around the world in the last 10 years. One of the key developments during his presidency has been increasing the number of teams in the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48, effective for the 2026 tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has likewise promoted greater investment in grassroots football through funding programs such as the FIFA Forward Programme, which has brought additional funding to member associations globally. Not only does Totti sound more like a trusty sounding board than a star athlete in a physical cave, but his remarks also illuminate not just the administrative gift, but also the personal availability of Infantino. Indeed, that is much more than just policy decisions and tournament expansions, and it is Infantino's approach to communication with players, federations and stakeholders that resonated in all corners, according to the Italian legend.

A decade of reform, expansion and global ambition

A more than a decade presidency of Infantino corresponded with the sea of commercial growth and the reshaping of FIFA strategy. Matchday income has grown, women's football has gradually received more investment and exposure, and various new competitions have been created, including the enlarged FIFA Club World Cup, to alter the worldwide schedule. Proponents say such changes are part of a broader vision to make the sport more welcoming and financially sustainable across every continent. But critics have also raised questions about elements of expansion and scheduling, expressing concerns about player workload and competitive balance. The endorsement of the likes of Francesco Totti, however, speaks to the fact that in certain circles Infantino does command respect. FIFA President is ending his 10th year in power, his legacy is still developing: a series of almost universally-beloved reforms, and a sense of duty about what the future holds for the most popular sport on the continent.

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