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Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino is a Swiss football administrator who has served as president of FIFA since 2016.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gianni Infantino is a Swiss football administrator who has served as president of FIFA since 2016. He previously worked at UEFA, where he was secretary general from 2009 to 2016, and he has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2020.

Early life and background

Infantino was born in Brig-Glis, Switzerland, on 23 March 1970. Sources identify him as a Swiss football administrator, with some also describing him as Swiss-Italian or noting additional nationality ties.

UEFA career

He joined UEFA in a legal and administrative capacity and later became its secretary general in 2009. During that period, he was associated with financial regulation work and tournament expansion initiatives.

FIFA presidency

Infantino was elected FIFA president in February 2016 and has remained in office since then. His presidency has included major competition and commercial changes, as well as recurring controversy.

International Olympic Committee role

Infantino has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2020. This adds an Olympic governance role to his football administration career.

Key facts

  • Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016.
  • He served as UEFA secretary general from 2009 to 2016.
  • He was born on 23 March 1970 in Brig-Glis, Switzerland.
  • He became an International Olympic Committee member in 2020.
  • His FIFA tenure has included the 2018, 2022, and 2026 men’s World Cups.
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Canadian context

As FIFA president, Infantino has been central to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.[1]

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gianni Infantino?
Gianni Infantino is a Swiss football administrator and the president of FIFA, a post he has held since 2016.
When was Gianni Infantino born?
He was born on 23 March 1970.
What did he do before FIFA?
Before leading FIFA, he was UEFA secretary general from 2009 to 2016.
Is Gianni Infantino an IOC member?
Yes. He has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since 2020.
What is he known for in football administration?
He is known for leading FIFA during a period of commercial expansion, competition changes, and public controversy.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianni_Infantino
    Supports: Full name, birth date, birthplace, FIFA presidency since 2016, UEFA role, IOC membership, and overview of tenure.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gianni-Infantino
    Supports: Birth details, role as Swiss football administrator, FIFA presidency since 2016, and IOC membership since 2020.
  3. Wikipedia (Polish) — https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gianni_Infantino
    Supports: Birth details, FIFA presidency since 2016, UEFA secretary general role, and IOC membership.