Carlo Ancelotti Confirmed as Next Manager of Brazil

After weeks of speculation, Carlo Ancelotti has officially been named as the next coach of the Brazil national team.

On Monday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that the current Real Madrid manager will leave the club following its final game of the season and take over at Brazil on May 26.

“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 is the greatest coach in history and now he is in charge of the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write glorious new chapters for Brazilian soccer,” Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the CBF, said.

The Italian legend will become Brazil’s first foreign coach. Ancelotti’s managerial career dates back to 1995 and includes stops with some of the biggest clubs in the world including Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Ancelotti first managed Madrid from 2013-2015 and returned in 2021 for his latest stint.

In his two stints with the Spanish giants, he has won three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles. Madrid have not yet made his departure from the club official, but, according to ESPN, Madrid is finalizing a deal for Xabi Alonso to take over for Ancelotti. As a player, Alonso was considered one of the best midfielders of his generation and helped guide Spain to World Cup glory in 2010. Additionally, Alonso played for Madrid from 2009-14.

Now, Alonso is considered one of the top young managers in the sport. Following a stint at Real Sociedad B, Alonso took over German club Bayer Leverkusen and guided the club to a historic season in 2023-24. Alonso led the club to its first Bundesliga title and first German championship in history, a 51-game unbeaten streak — a European record — and a runner-up finish in the UEFA Europa League.