It's been a rather interesting year for Gianni Infantino. With the 2026 World Cup taking place, a lot of attention has been on FIFA, and not all of it positive.

A number of high-profile controversies have sparked concerns from many within the sporting community about Infantino's position as the footballing body's president. Most notably, he sparked outrage with his failed plans to privatise FIFA events such as the World Cup.

In August, UEFA declared a loss of confidence in Infantino, slamming his scheme as a "shabby, back-room deal." As such, when the next FIFA presidential election takes place on 18 March 2027, not all will support the current man in charge.

Ex-England Captain Touted as Potential FIFA President

In recent times, there has been plenty of talk about who could run in opposition to Infantino. GIVEMESPORT understands that UEFA have wanted to work "under the radar" as they look to get behind a candidate.

As it stands, only former Tottenham Hotspur defender Ramon Vega has put his name forward for the role, with a number of other potential candidates distancing themselves from the role. However, new reports suggest an England legend could be the man for the job.

According to Sky Sports Germany, via Sport, 'several factions' within UEFA and the German Football Association (DFB) are considering David Beckham as a potential challenger to Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential elections. It's said that, among the names discussed in European circles, the former Three Lions captain has emerged as the 'most striking and disruptive' option.

The report notes that there isn't much time left before the official deadline for registering candidacies arrives. If Beckham is put forward as an option, it must be done before November 18. DFB President Bernd Neuendorf is also quoted as wanting Infantino replaced, as he said:

"We remain committed to seeing someone else at the helm of FIFA, and of course, that involves putting forward an alternative candidate."

Beckham Could Be Ideal Option as UEFA Look to 'Unify Behind One Candidate'

Beckham's popularity within the sport is seen as an obvious advantage, while he has proven executive power as co-owner of Inter Miami, helping bring Lionel Messi to MLS. It's noted that his connection with the North American market also positions him as an ideal bridge between European football and CONCACAF, which could be important with Infantino's lingering loyalty maintained in Africa and Asia.

One issue, however, is that the former Manchester United midfielder has held a very close and cordial relationship with Infantino up until now, actively participating in official FIFA events and campaigns.

It remains to be seen if Beckham is indeed the man to push forward the run for president. Whoever it might be, GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs believes a candidate will be found by UEFA ahead of the deadline.

Speaking in his exclusive GMS newsletter, Jacobs said: "My understanding is that senior UEFA executives are still looking for a challenger to rival Gianni Infantino between now and the deadline of November 18, the election.

"For Infantino, he's trying to weather the storm, and what he's done, quite smartly, many people believe, is given more funding to each of FIFA's 211 member associations." On that, Jacobs noted how a further $15m has been proposed for the next funding cycle from 2027 through to 2031.

He concluded: "Maybe most interestingly, you have the ex-FIFA pros, Arsene Wenger working under Gianni Infantino and Luis Figo, who has spoken out against Infantino and is viewed actually, in the long run as a potential UEFA president after Alexander Ceferin, but is another name that would draw considerable support if he decides to stand.

"So let's see what happens, the feeling is that UEFA, in trying to unify behind one candidate, want to work under the radar a little bit, or in secret, right up until the deadline to give Gianni Infantino the least possible time to effectively prepare."