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Carlo Ancelotti Appointed First Foreign Manager of Brazil’s National Team
Legendary Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti has officially been named the first-ever foreign manager of the Brazilian men’s national team, marking a landmark moment in Selecao history.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the appointment on Monday, announcing that Ancelotti will take charge on May 26, 2025, following the conclusion of his final season with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti’s future had been under intense speculation since Real Madrid’s Champions League exit to Arsenal, followed by two consecutive El Clasico defeats and a Copa del Rey final loss, all of which derailed their 2024/25 campaign.
Despite calls for his early dismissal, Madrid allowed Ancelotti to finish the season, after which he will begin preparing Brazil for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June.
🚨🇧🇷 OFFICIAL: Brazil confirm Carlo Ancelotti will become the new head coach of the Seleçao.
Contract sealed, Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid and lead the Seleçao to the 2026 World Cup. pic.twitter.com/ovmbPGJGf8
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 12, 2025
The CBF hailed Ancelotti as “the most successful manager in football history” and praised Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for his cooperation in facilitating Ancelotti’s early release from his contract, originally set to expire in 2026.
Meanwhile, all signs point to Xabi Alonso—former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen manager—as Ancelotti’s successor at the Bernabéu.
Alonso recently announced his departure from Leverkusen at the end of this season, and reports suggest he may be installed in time for this summer’s Club World Cup, bypassing the need for an interim coach.
Ancelotti’s appointment to lead Brazil—the five-time World Cup champions—marks the beginning of a new era in international football, combining European tactical excellence with South American flair.