Carlo Ancelotti has officially arrived in Rio de Janeiro to start his new role as Brazil’s national team head coach.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Former Real Madrid manager Ancelotti touched down in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday night to take charge of the Brazilian national team. After arriving at the airport, he was driven to a hotel in Barra da Tijuca where fans had gathered to welcome him. The Italian coach was seen speaking with Rodrigo Caetano, Brazilian Football Association’s (CBF) director of national teams, and Samir Xaud, the newly elected president of the governing body.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
After a period of inconsistency, Brazil is turning to one of football’s most successful managers to steer the ship. The 65-year-old negotiated an early exit from Madrid despite having a contract until 2026 to join the Selecao ahead of the schedule. With 15 trophies won at Los Blancos, including two Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles, Ancelotti brings a lot of experience. Moreover, Brazil are counting on his leadership to rebuild confidence and restore the team’s reputation on the global stage.
A key figure in that mission will be Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who also travelled to his homeland after ending the 2024-25 season with his club, with the attacker sharing an image from his plane.
DID YOU KNOW?
Ancelotti’s flight to Brazil became a global sensation as its journey was tracked online by over 15,000 people. The Italian had just wrapped up his second spell with Madrid, finishing with a 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad in his final match. His appointment also marks a rare moment in Brazilian football history as he is the first foreign coach to lead the national team since 1965.
WHAT NEXT FOR ANCELOTTI AND BRAZIL?
Ancelotti’s first task is to name the Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. That list will be announced on Monday, followed by a press conference where he will speak publicly for the first time as Brazil coach.Their next matches are on June 5 against Ecuador in Guayaquil and on June 10 against Paraguay. The Brazilian fans will be eager to see how quickly Ancelotti can stamp his identity on the team.
