Real Madrid head coach will take over the Selecao from 26 May
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Brazil national football team, marking a historic moment as he becomes the first foreign manager to lead the Selecao in a century.
The announcement was made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday, 12 May, confirming that Ancelotti will assume his new role on 26 May, following the end of Real Madrid’s La Liga season.
“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,” read the CBF’s statement.
“The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and [president] Mr [Florentino] Perez 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 teams.”
Ancelotti will be in Brazil’s dugout for the first time on 6 June against Ecuador, followed by a home match against Paraguay on 10 June. These fixtures are part of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues was enthusiastic about the appointment, saying: “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic decision. It’s a declaration to the world of our determination to regain the top spot on the podium.
“He is the greatest coach in history and now he leads the best national team on the planet.”
Ancelotti’s illustrious coaching career includes stints at top European clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. He has won multiple league titles and is the only manager to have won the UEFA Champions League four times.
His appointment comes after Brazil’s disappointing performance in the 2022 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Croatia. Since then, the national team has been under interim management, with the CBF looking for a permanent solution to restore the dominance of the Selecao in international football.
Ancelotti’s familiarity with Brazilian players, having coached the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Eder Militao at Real Madrid, is expected to help ensure a smooth transition. Vinicius Junior in particular has praised Ancelotti, saying: “He is the best coach in the world.”
