Aline Pellegrino named Fifa director

Aline Pellegrino named Fifa director

Former captain of the Brazil 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 that will be held in Brazil.

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

Since 2020, she has been the CBF’s Women’s Competitions Manager, 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 to 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 change. 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 childhood, at a time when football in Brazil was still taking its first steps, was the right one,” said Aline.

“I hope that 2027 will be more than just a major sporting event. I believe it will also 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 office in Rio de Janeiro 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 office in Rio de Janeiro 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 having inclusive and strong leadership in Brazil will build a legacy that extends beyond the field.

“The women who take on the organization of this 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.