The Confédération Africaine de Football has paid glowing tribute to Gianni Infantino, hailing his decade at the helm of FIFA as a period that reshaped the global football landscape and deepened the game’s roots across Africa.

In a statement titled CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino on his outstanding 10-year leadership as FIFA President, the African body framed the milestone as a moment for reflection on how its partnership with FIFA has evolved under Infantino’s stewardship.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe praised Infantino’s tenure as one marked by reform, expansion and unprecedented investment in the global game. Motsepe said CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino on the excellent leadership that he has provided as FIFA President over the past 10 years and for his enormous contribution to the development and growth of football throughout the world.

Motsepe stressed that the relationship between CAF and FIFA has moved beyond formal cooperation to what he described as a genuine alliance. African football and world football have a loyal and trustworthy friend and partner in Gianni Infantino, he said, adding that CAF wishes him good health and everything of the best.

Infantino first assumed office in 2016, inheriting a scandal-hit organisation and pledging to restore credibility while broadening football’s reach. He was re-elected by acclamation in 2019, underlining the strong backing he enjoyed among FIFA’s 211 member associations.

His presidency has been defined by ambitious projects, including the expansion of the men’s World Cup, the launch of an enlarged Women’s World Cup and increased development funding for member associations. For Africa, this has translated into more resources for infrastructure, youth competitions and technical programmes, as well as a louder voice in global decision-making.

CAF’s tribute also reflects how Infantino has positioned himself as a frequent and visible presence on the continent, attending tournaments, lobbying for expanded World Cup slots for African teams and supporting bids for major events. Within CAF, this has been interpreted as a sign that African football is no longer on the margins of the global game but central to its future growth.

By formally recognising his 10-year spell in charge, CAF signalled that it views Infantino not only as the head of world football’s governing body but as a strategic partner whose policies have helped shape a more inclusive and globally balanced era for the sport.