Carlo Ancelotti Takes Charge of Brazil National Team

Carlo Ancelotti is the new head coach of the Brazilian national team. The 65-year-old Italian replaces Dorival Júnior. He will lead the five-time world champions in their World Cup qualification campaign.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Carlo Ancelotti was named Brazil’s new head coach on May 12, 2025. The Italian last coached Real Madrid in the 2024/25 season. He will start his new job on May 26th after finishing his duties in Spain. Ancelotti is the first permanent foreign coach of the Seleção. The negotiations were handled by Diego Fernandes, who played a key role in bringing the manager to the team.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ancelotti has an impressive resume. He has won 31 titles as a manager, including five Champions League trophies—three with Real Madrid and two with AC Milan. He has also won league titles in England, Germany, and France. This marks a significant change for Brazil, who have had four coaches in just two and a half years. Brazil is currently fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying standings, occupying a direct qualification spot for the 2026 World Cup.

WHAT THE BRAZILIAN FOOTBALL CONFEDERATION SAID

Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation, expressed his excitement about the appointment: “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It’s a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium. He is the greatest coach in history and now leads the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters in Brazilian football.”

WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?

Ancelotti will face his first challenge in June when Brazil meets Ecuador and Paraguay in crucial World Cup qualifiers. With just four matchdays left in the qualification process, these matches will be crucial for the Verdeamarela to secure their place in the 2026 World Cup. This will be Ancelotti’s first experience as a national team head coach, although he previously served as an assistant to Arrigo Sacchi with the Italian national team. The appointment shows Brazil’s ambition to return to the top of world football under the leadership of one of the most successful managers in the history of the sport.