Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the current campaign to become the new head coach of Brazil, in a landmark move confirmed by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
The Italian tactician, 65, will officially assume his new post on 26 May, shortly after the conclusion of the La Liga season. His departure brings to an end a glittering chapter at the Santiago Bernabéu, where he departs as one of the most decorated managers in the club’s storied history.
Across two spells in the Spanish capital, Ancelotti amassed 15 major trophies, including the fabled Champions League and La Liga double last season. However, his final year at the helm has been marked by frustration, with Sunday’s El Clásico defeat to Barcelona leaving Real trailing their rivals by seven points with only three matches remaining — effectively ending their silverware hopes.
The CBF hailed Ancelotti as a “legend of the game” in their statement, calling the appointment “a landmark moment” in the history of the national side. The federation also extended thanks to Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for his cooperation, and acknowledged Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes for brokering the agreement.
“The only nation to win five World Cups now joins forces with one of the most successful managers in the history of European football,” read the statement. “We welcome Mr Ancelotti with open arms and look forward to a new era of success for the Seleção.”
Ancelotti’s current contract at Real was due to run until 2026, but his early release has paved the way for him to take over from Dorival Júnior, who was dismissed in March following a heavy 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. Brazil, currently fourth in the South American standings, are still on course for a place at the 2026 finals despite a patchy campaign.
Ancelotti’s first matches in charge of Brazil will come next month, with qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador. He inherits a side that has failed to win the World Cup since 2002 and last lifted the Copa América in 2019.
A veteran of three decades in management, Ancelotti boasts an unmatched record, having won league titles in all five of Europe’s major leagues — a feat no other manager has achieved. His résumé includes spells at AC Milan, Juventus, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich.
Real Madrid are expected to appoint former midfielder Xabi Alonso, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, as Ancelotti’s successor. The 43-year-old announced last week that he would leave the Bundesliga side at the end of the season, and reports suggest the Bernabéu hierarchy are keen to have him in place ahead of the Club World Cup in June.
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