Carlo Ancelotti Named New Brazil Manager, Set to Begin Role After LaLiga Season Ends

Carlo Ancelotti will officially become the next head coach of the Brazil national team, stepping into the role on May 26, following the conclusion of the 2024-25 LaLiga season.

The current Real Madrid boss will be the first foreign manager in Brazil’s history, marking a significant moment for both the Selecao and the 65-year-old Italian. The move follows a deal brokered by businessman Diego Fernandes on behalf of the Brazil Football Confederation (CBF).

Ancelotti had one year left on his Real Madrid contract, but will now end his second spell at the club. During this tenure, he secured 11 trophies, including two LaLiga titles, two Champions League crowns, and another Copa del Rey. He is expected to be succeeded by Xabi Alonso, who recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen.

This news comes a day after Real Madrid’s 4-3 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona, effectively ending their hopes of retaining the league title. Madrid are now seven points behind their rivals with only three games remaining.

Ancelotti faced increasing pressure following a disappointing season by Madrid’s high standards. The team exited the Champions League after a 5-1 loss to Arsenal in the quarter-finals and also lost both the Super Cup and Copa del Rey finals to Barcelona.

The CBF confirmed the appointment in an official statement: “The CBF is proud to confirm that Carlo Ancelotti will become the next head coach of the Brazilian national football team. Mr Ancelotti, a legend of the game and the most successful manager in football history, will officially take charge after the conclusion of the 2024-25 LaLiga season on May 26, ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying campaign in June.”

The statement added: “Carlo Ancelotti arrives as the first foreign manager in Selecao history. This marks a new era as the five-time FIFA World Cup champions welcome a coach with unmatched success across Europe’s elite leagues.”

“The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and Mr. Perez for their cooperation, allowing this transition to happen with mutual respect. We also thank Diego Fernandes for leading the negotiations on behalf of the federation.”

Ancelotti brings a decorated resume, having won five Champions League titles—more than any other manager—and becoming the only coach to win all of Europe’s top five leagues. This will be his first role in international football, after leading elite clubs like Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid.

Brazil currently sits fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, behind Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay. While there’s little jeopardy in terms of qualification, the CBF is banking on Ancelotti to lead them back to World Cup glory for the first time since 2002.

He replaces Dorival Junior, whose 14-month tenure ended after just 16 matches.

Despite earlier reports suggesting Ancelotti had rejected Brazil and was targeted by Saudi clubs, the veteran tactician has chosen to embrace a new challenge on the international stage.