Carlo Ancelotti has made history as the first foreign manager of the Brazilian men’s national team, a move confirmed ahead of his departure from Real Madrid.
The Italian’s future at the Bernabeu had been uncertain following Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal. While initial reports suggested a potential premature dismissal, the club ultimately allowed the decorated coach to continue, overseeing two further El Clasico defeats.
Following their Copa del Rey final loss, Ancelotti’s Madrid side surrendered a 2-0 lead to Barcelona on Sunday, losing 4-3. This defeat significantly hampered their La Liga title aspirations, potentially handing the championship to their rivals as early as Wednesday if Madrid fail to secure a win against Mallorca.
After considerable speculation linking him to the vacant Brazil managerial role, which was followed by apparent distancing, the Brazilian football federation (CBF) officially announced Ancelotti’s appointment on Monday afternoon.
“The CBF is proud to confirm that Carlo Ancelotti will become the next head coach of the Brazilian national football team,” the federation stated. “Mr Ancelotti, a legend of the game as the most successful manager in football history, will officially take charge following the conclusion of the 2024/25 La Liga season, ahead of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in June. His official start date May 26th, 2025.”
The CBF highlighted the significance of the appointment: “Carlo Ancelotti arrives as the first foreign manager in the history of the Selecao. This landmark moment sees the coming together of two icons – the only five-time FIFA World Cup champions, and a coach with an unmatched record across Europe’s elite competitions. The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership.”
Acknowledging Ancelotti’s existing contract with Real Madrid, which had a year remaining, the CBF expressed “sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and Mr [Florentino] Perez [club president] for the cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term, allowing this new chapter to begin with mutual respect and cooperation between the team.”
The widely anticipated successor to Ancelotti at Real Madrid is Xabi Alonso. Following the official announcement of his decision to step down as Bayer Leverkusen manager this summer – also a year before his contract expired – it was strongly संकेतित that the former Madrid midfielder would return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Interestingly, shortly before Ancelotti’s departure was confirmed, reports emerged suggesting Alonso would be in place to lead Madrid for this summer’s Club World Cup, potentially negating the need for an interim coach. Sources and related content