Carlo Ancelotti will become the first foreign coach of the Brazilian national team. This also marks his official departure from Real Madrid, clearing the way for Xabi Alonso.
After months, even years, of speculation, it’s now official: Carlo Ancelotti will be the coach of the Brazilian national team. The five-time world champions announced this officially on Monday afternoon. The 65-year-old Italian is leaving Real Madrid ahead of schedule, as expected.
“The greatest national team in soccer history will now be led by the most successful coach in the world,” the CBF proudly announced on its social media channels, calling Ancelotti a ‘synonym for success.’ He will make his debut at the beginning of June when Brazil returns to World Cup qualifying action.
The record Champions League winner will make his debut on June 6 in an away game against Ecuador in Guayaquil, and five days later Brazil will host Paraguay. The Selecao, who parted ways with coach Dorival Junior in March after a 1-4 defeat to Argentina, are only fourth in the World Cup qualifiers but are still clearly on course for the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Brazil are currently only fifth in the FIFA world rankings.
Ancelotti’s appointment as a “statement to the world”
Ancelotti’s appointment is “more than a strategic move,” emphasizes association president Ednaldo Rodrigues. “It is a statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium. Together, we will write new glorious chapters in Brazilian soccer.” The CBF had been courting Ancelotti for a long time. He will be the first foreign coach in the association’s history, at least that much is clear.
Brazil has had two foreign coaches in its history, Uruguayan Ramon Platero and Portuguese Joreca, but it is not entirely clear whether either of them had absolute responsibility. Platero coached the Selecao in four games at the Copa America in December 1925. Officially, Joaquim Guimaraes was the designated coach at the time, but he took on the role of technical director, making Platero the de facto field coach; however, this was apparently not specified in the contract. Joreca, on the other hand, did not have sole responsibility for the two international matches in May 1944, but rather shared a kind of dual role with Brazil’s legendary coach Flavio Costa.
However, Ancelotti’s impressive collection of titles will not be adding any more this season. After losing the finals in both national cup competitions and being knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, Real suffered what is likely to be the decisive setback in the La Liga title race on Sunday in the Clasico at FC Barcelona (3-4). Barca could be crowned champions as early as Wednesday.
Xabi Alonso will succeed Ancelotti at Real, although this has not yet been officially confirmed. Only Xabi Alonso’s departure from Bayer 04 Leverkusen has been confirmed since last week. The Basque is expected to be on the sidelines for the Royal Club when the Club World Cup kicks off in mid-June.