In a groundbreaking move, Carlo Ancelotti, the iconic head coach of Real Madrid, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Brazil national football team. The 65-year-old Italian manager will officially begin his new role on May 26, 2025, following Real Madrid’s final match of the La Liga season against Real Sociedad.
Ancelotti’s appointment comes after the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the news, marking the Italian as the first foreign head coach in the history of Brazil’s men’s national football team. Although Ancelotti had a year remaining on his contract with Real Madrid, talks between the club and CBF, facilitated by Diego Fernandes, have resulted in a mutual agreement for Ancelotti’s departure, which has yet to be officially announced by Madrid.
Known as one of the most successful football managers of all time, Ancelotti will now take charge of Brazil’s efforts to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His goal is clear: to lead Brazil to a record-extending sixth World Cup title in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Ednaldo Rodrigues, the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, expressed the significance of this appointment, saying, “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It’s a statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium. He’s the greatest coach in history, and now he’s in charge of the greatest team on the planet. Together, we will write glorious new chapters for Brazilian football.”
Ancelotti’s decision to leave Real Madrid follows earlier reports suggesting that he was set to take on the Brazil head coach role on a one-year deal, lasting until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. He will replace Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March 2025 after 14 months in charge.
During his time at Real Madrid, Ancelotti enjoyed great success, including winning two La Liga titles and three Champions League titles across two spells at the club. However, despite these achievements, Madrid recently faced some setbacks, including a quarter-final exit from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona in extra time.
As Ancelotti prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter with Brazil, football fans around the world are eager to see how the legendary manager will lead one of the most successful teams in football history back to the pinnacle of global football.
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