Amid all the optimism, Brazil star midfielder Casemiro couldn’t help but express a tinge of disappointment.
It’s been over a year since the Qatar World Cup, and yet Brazil’s struggles continue. Despite numerous attempts to restore their rhythm and return to winning ways, the five-time world champions have found little success. Now, they’ve finally secured Carlo Ancelotti—a highly experienced and successful coach—to guide them forward. That gives Casemiro reason to be hopeful.
Having spent three seasons under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, where he won two Champions League titles and one La Liga crown, Casemiro knows better than most how the Italian manager operates. In his eyes, Brazil’s misfiring team needs someone exactly like Ancelotti to get back on track.
Speaking to ESPN, Casemiro didn’t hold back in his praise for Ancelotti and expressed hope that the coach would mark the beginning of a new era for Brazil.
“After Tite stepped down, Brazil needed someone like him (Ancelotti). A professional of his stature, someone with a big name who commands respect—Brazil needed that.”
On Monday, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Ancelotti will take charge of the national team after the current La Liga season ends. For the first time in its storied history, Brazil will have a foreign head coach.
Ancelotti, 65, will officially begin his tenure on May 26. The only manager to have won titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues, the Italian brings a level of pedigree that Casemiro admires deeply.
“This man is incredible, an unbelievable coach. The way he talks about football, the way he understands it—everything about him is exceptional.”
“Let’s enjoy him (at Brazil), because whether he wins or loses, when he talks about football, his charisma just shines through. That special energy motivates players to perform and brings out the best in them.”
Brazil has exited at the quarterfinal stage in each of the last two World Cups. In the most recent Copa América, they were knocked out in the first round of the knockout phase. Their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign hasn’t been any better—just six wins from 14 matches and sitting sixth in the table, ten points behind leaders Argentina.
Their most recent match was a disastrous 4–1 loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires, which led to the dismissal of then-coach Diniz.
Ancelotti steps into an undeniably tough role. His first assignment will come in June, in the World Cup qualifiers—first against Ecuador on June 5, then against Paraguay at home five days later. The mission? Help Brazil return to the heights they last reached in 2002, when they won their fifth World Cup.
This will be Ancelotti’s first time coaching a national team, and it’s set to be a short-term stint. Reports say he has signed a contract with the CBF that runs through the 2026 World Cup. That limited timeline leaves Casemiro with mixed emotions.
“I’m happy that such a top-level coach is going to be leading the Brazil national team. But at the same time, I’m a bit sad it’s only for a short time. Because I know him personally, I know him well—and just one year… that’s not enough.”
Casemiro left Real Madrid for Manchester United in 2022 and last played for Brazil the following year. However, there’s speculation he may return to the national squad for the upcoming fixtures.
