Carlo Ancelotti is confirmed to take over as the new head coach of the Brazilian national football team, according to an official announcement from the Confederação Brasileira de Futebol (CBF). The highly successful Italian manager is scheduled to depart his current position at Real Madrid upon the conclusion of the 2024-25 season, a widely anticipated move that has been circulating in reports.
The CBF expressed its pride in securing Ancelotti, hailing him as a legend and the most successful manager in football history. He is set to officially commence his duties with the Seleção on May 26, 2025, immediately following the end of the La Liga campaign. His first major task will be leading Brazil`s campaign in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June 2025.
Ancelotti`s arrival marks a significant historical moment as he becomes the first foreign manager ever appointed to lead the Brazilian national team, the only nation to have won the World Cup five times. The CBF highlighted the symbolic union of Brazil`s iconic status in global football with Ancelotti`s unparalleled record in Europe`s top competitions, welcoming him warmly and looking forward to an era of success under his guidance.
In related news, Spanish giants Real Madrid are expected to name Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti`s successor. Alonso recently announced he would be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the current season. Like Ancelotti, Alonso is likely to begin his new managerial role after the final matchday of the La Liga season. For Ancelotti, the move to Brazil represents his first experience managing a national team.
Reports indicate that Ancelotti has already signed his contract with the CBF. The agreement is understood to be a one-year deal, valid until the end of the FIFA 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the negotiation process was reportedly challenging at times, the deal has now been finalized, paving the way for Ancelotti`s new chapter in international football.
This final season at Real Madrid has seen mixed results for Ancelotti`s side, including a quarterfinal exit from the UEFA Champions League against Arsenal and a 3-2 defeat to FC Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final. A recent 4-3 loss to Barcelona in the La Liga Clasico also severely impacted their chances of a late league title push.
Ancelotti is widely regarded as one of the most decorated managers in the history of the sport, having amassed 31 major trophies across his career coaching in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and England. He holds the unique record of being the only manager to have won league titles in all five major European leagues. Furthermore, he holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles (five) and UEFA Super Cup titles (five) as a coach. Achieving success with a national team like Brazil, especially guiding the five-time world champions to a major trophy, would undoubtedly add another remarkable milestone to his already extraordinary career.
