For the first time in their football history, the five-time World Cup champions have appointed a foreign coach.
Carlo Ancelotti had initially planned to discuss his future after the season ended, but news of his next destination has surfaced earlier than expected. After months of speculation, the long wait is over—Ancelotti is now officially the new coach of Brazil, set to guide stars like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made the announcement on Monday, confirming the Italian manager’s appointment as the first foreign head coach in the country’s football history. His official tenure begins on May 26.
Real Madrid has not yet released a statement regarding Ancelotti’s departure.
After Brazil’s disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup, coach Tite stepped down, and since then, Brazil had been pushing hard to land Ancelotti. Despite repeated interest, the Italian coach—hugely successful at club level—had previously turned them down.
However, following Brazil’s crushing 4–1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers last March, the rumors resurfaced. Soon after that match, Brazil dismissed Dorival Júnior as head coach.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s struggles under Ancelotti became more apparent. The club suffered four El Clásico defeats in a single season against Barcelona. Their most recent 4–3 loss—after leading 2–0—may have played a key role in fast-tracking Ancelotti’s future. The very next day, Brazil confirmed his appointment.
Decline at Real Madrid
- Brazil’s hopes were reignited in January when Madrid were thrashed by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
- Losses to Arsenal in the Champions League made his position more fragile.
- A Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona intensified rumors that Madrid would part ways with Ancelotti at season’s end.
- Xabi Alonso, now set to leave Bayer Leverkusen, is widely expected to take over at Madrid.
Brazil is thrilled to finally secure Ancelotti’s services
“CBF proudly confirms that Carlo Ancelotti will become the new head coach of the Brazil national football team. Ancelotti, recognized as one of the most successful coaches in football history, will officially take charge at the end of the 2024–25 La Liga season, just ahead of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in June. His duties will formally begin on May 26.”
“Carlo Ancelotti becomes the first foreign coach in Seleção’s history… CBF warmly welcomes Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era under his leadership.”
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid in June 2021 for a second stint. Under his guidance, the club won two Champions League and two La Liga titles during this period. Despite the success, his final days were less than ideal.
He remains one of the most decorated managers in Real Madrid’s history, having delivered 15 trophies in total. He’s also the first coach to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues.
This marks Ancelotti’s first experience managing a national team. His son and assistant, Davide Ancelotti, will not be joining him—he’s reportedly set to start his own journey as a head coach at club level.
Brazil’s Current Position & Upcoming Matches
- Brazil is currently 4th in South America’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
- They’ve won 6 out of 14 matches, with 3 draws and 5 losses (21 points).
- Argentina, with 31 points from the same number of games, has already qualified.
Brazil will next play Ecuador on June 6 and Paraguay on June 11. In September, they’ll face Chile and Bolivia.
Ancelotti will remain on Madrid’s bench until the final round of La Liga. According to Spanish media, Real Madrid plans to feature in the restructured Club World Cup under Alonso’s leadership.
