Brady Criticized for Video Praising FIFA President Infantino

Tom Brady is facing significant criticism following the release of a promotional video in which the NFL legend lavishes praise on FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The video, which quickly circulated across social media platforms, has been characterized by many observers as propaganda for an organization with a controversial reputation.

In the brief clip, Brady appears to read from a script, delivering effusive compliments about Infantino’s leadership of world football’s governing body. “You’ve transformed the game. You’ve made it more inclusive, more global, and it’s helped so many different communities,” Brady states in the video, adding that Infantino has “brought so many people together.”

The timing of Brady’s endorsement has raised eyebrows across the sporting world, coming during a period when FIFA continues to face scrutiny over various governance issues, including the controversial decision to award the 2022 World Cup to Qatar. That tournament drew international criticism over human rights concerns, with reports suggesting thousands of migrant workers died during the construction of stadiums and infrastructure projects.

Football fans and commentators have responded with skepticism to Brady’s message, questioning whether the seven-time Super Bowl champion was fully aware of FIFA’s checkered history or Infantino’s controversial tenure. Many suggested the former quarterback may have simply accepted a lucrative appearance fee without conducting adequate research about the organization he was endorsing.

“This is what happens when you take money to talk about something you know nothing about,” wrote one prominent sports journalist on social media. Another commenter noted, “Tom Brady reading FIFA propaganda off his phone is peak comedy.”

The backlash highlights the potential pitfalls for athletes who lend their personal brand to organizations without thorough consideration of the associated reputational risks. Brady, who retired from professional football in 2023 after a storied 23-year career, has been increasingly involved in various business ventures and endorsements since stepping away from the playing field.

FIFA’s reputation has suffered numerous blows over the past decade. The organization faced its most significant crisis in 2015 when several high-ranking officials were arrested on corruption charges as part of a U.S. Department of Justice investigation. While Infantino took over in 2016 promising reform and transparency, critics argue that substantial governance issues remain unaddressed.

Since assuming leadership, Infantino has made controversial decisions including expanding the World Cup to 48 teams beginning in 2026 and implementing a widely criticized new Club World Cup format. His leadership style has been described as autocratic by some football administrators, and he has faced criticism for relocating to Qatar during the preparations for the 2022 tournament.

Brady’s representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment about the video or the subsequent backlash. It remains unclear whether the football star was paid for the endorsement or if he had any prior relationship with FIFA or Infantino.

Sports marketing experts note that this incident demonstrates the increasing scrutiny faced by athletes when making endorsements in today’s social media environment. “The days when celebrities could make quick appearances without understanding the context are over,” explained one industry analyst. “Audiences expect authenticity and due diligence, especially when it involves controversial organizations.”

For FIFA, the attempt to leverage Brady’s star power appears to have backfired, potentially drawing more attention to the ongoing criticisms of the organization rather than burnishing its image. The incident also raises questions about FIFA’s broader public relations strategy as it attempts to rebuild credibility while expanding its commercial footprint globally.

As Brady navigates his post-playing career, this controversy serves as a reminder of the complex landscape athletes must traverse when transitioning from sports to broader business and endorsement activities, where different rules and expectations may apply.