Brazil president unhappy with Ancelotti appointment, urges homegrown approach
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva isn’t pleased with the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the national team coach — and he hasn’t held back his criticism. He’s even suggested dropping star players like Vinícius Júnior, Marquinhos, and Raphinha in favor of a squad built entirely with players from Brazil’s domestic league.
For the first time in the country’s storied football history, Brazil is set to have a foreign coach take charge of its national team. The five-time world champions have handed the reins to Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti — a move that’s sparked widespread debate across Brazil. And not everyone is on board.
Among the critics is the country’s president, who questioned the decision of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), asking if there weren’t already enough qualified coaches within the nation.
“To be honest, I’m not against a foreigner leading the national team. But Brazil also has many coaches who are capable of doing the job,” Lula da Silva stated.
This isn’t the first time he’s voiced concern. The CBF had long pursued Ancelotti, and Lula, now 79, had been vocal in his opposition even then.
“He (Ancelotti) never coached the Italian national team… Italy didn’t even qualify for the 2022 World Cup, so why didn’t he solve their problems then?” the president pointed out.
While he remains critical of the appointment, Lula isn’t dismissing Ancelotti’s talent.
“He’s an outstanding coach. He was a great player. I think we’re going through a tough time in terms of having top-quality players — we don’t have the same level of talent as before,” he added.
“Just look at our attack in 2002 and 2006. I hope someone as tactically experienced as Ancelotti can still help the Brazil team.”
Brazil’s recent performances, however, have been disappointing. The national team has failed to progress beyond the quarterfinals in the last two World Cups and was knocked out early in the most recent Copa América.
Things haven’t looked much better in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers either. With only six wins from 14 matches and 21 points, Brazil currently sits sixth — trailing leaders Argentina by 10 points. In their last qualifier, they were thrashed 4-1 by Argentina.
To address this ongoing crisis, Lula da Silva has proposed a bold and controversial idea — drop the European-based stars and build a squad entirely from players in Brazil’s top-flight domestic league.
“I told the CBF president to call up the best players from Brazil’s top league. Build a 22-man squad with them and see what they can do. I believe they’ll perform the same — or even better,” he said.
