Carlo Ancelotti will depart Real Madrid at the end of the season to become the new head coach of Brazil. The 65-year-old Italian is scheduled to officially begin his role with the national team on 26 May, following the conclusion of the La Liga campaign.
Ancelotti leaves Santiago Bernabeu as one of the most decorated managers in the club’s history. Across two spells with Los Blancos, he secured 15 titles. Last season, he led the team to a memorable double, claiming both the Champions League and La Liga trophies.
However, his departure comes in the aftermath of a crucial El Clasico defeat on Sunday, which left Madrid trailing Barcelona by seven points with just three league fixtures left. With little chance of overtaking their rivals, the club now faces finishing a season without silverware for the first time since 2021.
New chapter for Brazil and Ancelotti
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) issued a statement announcing the appointment and described Ancelotti as a “legendary figure” in the sport. The organization emphasized the significance of appointing a foreign manager and praised the Italian’s achievements across Europe.
In their announcement, the CBF expressed gratitude to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for assisting in Ancelotti’s early release from his existing contract, which had been due to run until June 2026. The CBF also acknowledged the involvement of Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes in finalizing the agreement.
Ancelotti takes over from Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March after Brazil suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Argentina during World Cup qualifying. The Selecao currently sit fourth in the South American standings, having lost five of their 14 qualifying matches, but remain in a strong position to reach the 2026 tournament.
The veteran manager’s first matches with Brazil will be against Paraguay and Ecuador in next month’s qualifiers. Brazil is aiming to recapture past glory, with their last World Cup triumph coming in 2002 and their most recent Copa America title won in 2019.
Xabi Alonso expected to return to Madrid as manager
Former Spain international Xabi Alonso is widely tipped to replace Ancelotti in the Real Madrid dugout. The 43-year-old recently confirmed he would leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
Reports suggest Madrid want Alonso in position before next month’s Club World Cup begins. A former player for both Madrid and Liverpool, Alonso is highly regarded for his work in Germany and is now poised to begin his managerial career at the highest level in Spain.
