The report says Infantino asked Djorkaeff to become an adviser before the 2022 World Cup, when faced criticism over Qatar, the winter scheduling and wider issues surrounding the organisation.
Djorkaeff says he accepted the trust but rejected the idea of being a ceremonial presence. “Eu agradeci pela confiança, mas disse que não seria apenas alguém posando para fotos,” he declared.
That distinction is central to his current role. Since becoming CEO of the Foundation in 2019, Djorkaeff has reportedly worked on programmes designed to use football as an educational and social tool. He also says his discussions with Infantino cover internal reforms, football academies and the future direction of the global game.
For Djorkaeff, the foundation’s work offers a different view of football’s reach. He describes projects in communities with limited opportunities, where access to sport can provide structure, confidence and a route into education.
“Ver como uma única bola pode levar alegria a tantas crianças dá perspectiva sobre o quanto pode ser alcançado,” Djorkaeff said.
The message is familiar but powerful: football’s influence is not limited to elite stadiums or major tournaments. A former World Cup and European Championship winner, Djorkaeff now appears determined to connect the sport’s global visibility with practical community work.
Djorkaeff also comments on the expanded Club World Cup, saying its impact was significant enough for to receive requests to stage the competition every two years. That possibility would represent another major shift in an already crowded football calendar.
For now, his dual role places him close to the decisions shaping the sport while keeping him connected to its grassroots potential. The next storyline to watch will be whether the foundation’s social ambitions can grow alongside ’s increasingly expansive tournament plans.