Carlo Ancelotti Confirmed as New Brazil Head Coach, Set to Leave Real Madrid

In a landmark move for international football, Carlo Ancelotti has been officially announced as the new head coach of the Brazilian national team, with the agreement finalized and documents signed, as confirmed by trusted sources. The legendary Italian manager, widely regarded as one of the most successful coaches in football history, will depart Real Madrid at the end of the 2024-25 La Liga season to take charge of the Seleção, with his tenure beginning by the end of May 2025. This transition marks the end of Ancelotti’s illustrious second spell at Real Madrid, where he has cemented his legacy as the club’s most decorated manager. A special farewell is planned to honor his contributions, as Brazil prepares to welcome a coach synonymous with trophy-laden success.

Ancelotti’s Journey to Brazil

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long coveted Ancelotti, with president Ednaldo Rodrigues describing him as “the president’s dream” coach. Speculation about Ancelotti taking the Brazil job has swirled for years, with interest dating back to 2022 and 2023, when the CBF first approached him. However, Ancelotti’s commitment to Real Madrid, where he signed a contract extension in December 2023 until June 2026, initially delayed the move. The 2024-25 season, however, proved to be a turning point. Despite early successes, including winning the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, Real Madrid’s campaign faltered with a 5-1 aggregate loss to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, a 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and a four-point deficit to Barcelona in La Liga with only a few games remaining. These setbacks, coupled with Ancelotti’s openness to a new challenge, paved the way for his exit.

According to reports, Ancelotti reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid to terminate his contract, with the club and coach negotiating terms amicably to avoid financial disputes over the remaining year of his deal. The CBF, eager to have Ancelotti in place for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay on June 4 and 9, 2025, finalized the deal swiftly. The announcement came on May 12, 2025, with the CBF proudly declaring Ancelotti as “the most victorious coach in the world” to lead “the greatest national team in football history.”

Staff and Transition Details

Ancelotti’s coaching staff for Brazil has been confirmed, though specifics remain limited. Notably, his son and assistant coach at Real Madrid, Davide Ancelotti, may not join him immediately, as he is reportedly exploring opportunities to begin his own head coaching career. Other staff members, potentially including long-time collaborators like Giovanni Mauri and Francesco Mauri, are expected to accompany Ancelotti to Brazil, ensuring continuity in his tactical approach. The CBF has emphasized that Ancelotti’s appointment is strategically timed to prepare the squad for the 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid will occur after the final La Liga match on May 25, 2025, against Real Sociedad. He will not coach Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14, 2025, in the United States. Instead, the club is considering an interim coach, with director of football Santiago Solari as the leading candidate to oversee the tournament. Real Madrid is keen to ensure a smooth transition, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso tipped as the frontrunner to succeed Ancelotti permanently, potentially starting in the 2025-26 season.

A Special Farewell from Real Madrid

Ancelotti’s exit from Real Madrid is set to be marked by a heartfelt farewell, reflecting the mutual respect between the coach and the club. Across two spells (2013-2015 and 2021-2025), Ancelotti won 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and multiple Super Cups, surpassing Miguel Muñoz as Madrid’s most successful manager in terms of silverware. His final season, while trophyless in major competitions, does not diminish his legacy. Ancelotti himself expressed his deep connection to the club, stating, “With this club, the honeymoon doesn’t end. It will go on forever. Real Madrid, like Milan before, are teams that remain in my heart.” The club is expected to announce his departure formally after the El Clásico against Barcelona on May 11, 2025, or shortly thereafter, with a tribute planned to celebrate his contributions.

Brazil’s Ambitions with Ancelotti

Brazil, five-time World Cup champions, have been without a permanent coach since Dorival Júnior’s dismissal in March 2025 following a 4-1 loss to Argentina in a World Cup qualifier. The team, currently fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying table, is virtually assured of a spot in the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup but seeks to reclaim global dominance. Ancelotti’s appointment is seen as a coup, given his unparalleled record of five Champions League titles and league championships in all five major European leagues (Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain). His tactical acumen and ability to manage star-studded squads make him an ideal fit for a Brazil team boasting talents like Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Endrick, Raphinha, and Bruno Guimarães.

Ancelotti’s contract with Brazil is reportedly a one-year deal, extending through the 2026 World Cup, with the possibility of further negotiations thereafter. His immediate task will be to instill his trademark balance and pragmatism in a team criticized for lacking cohesion. The June qualifiers will serve as his first test, with Brazil aiming to build momentum toward the World Cup. Ancelotti’s experience managing high-pressure environments, from the Santiago Bernabéu to Stamford Bridge, positions him to handle the intense expectations of leading the Seleção.

What’s Next for Real Madrid?

Real Madrid faces a pivotal transition with Ancelotti’s departure. The club’s pursuit of Xabi Alonso, who has transformed Bayer Leverkusen into Bundesliga champions and a European force, is well-documented. Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, is reportedly close to an agreement, though he may not join until after the Club World Cup due to his commitments with Leverkusen. In the interim, Santiago Solari, who previously served as a caretaker coach in 2018-19, is favored to lead Madrid in the tournament, with other internal options like Castilla coach Raúl González and under-19s coach Álvaro Arbeloa considered less likely. The Club World Cup, a key showcase for Madrid’s global brand, adds urgency to the club’s managerial planning.

Challenges and Controversies

Ancelotti’s move to Brazil was not without hurdles. Earlier reports suggested negotiations hit an impasse due to Real Madrid’s reluctance to pay the full remainder of his contract, which risked delaying his start until August 2025. Additionally, Ancelotti briefly considered a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly worth €50 million net, before reaffirming his commitment to Brazil. The CBF’s patience, extending their deadline for Ancelotti to resolve his Madrid exit, ultimately paid off, though some Brazilian media expressed concerns about the federation’s image after repeated failures to secure Ancelotti in prior years.

A New Chapter for a Football Icon

At 65, Ancelotti embarks on a new chapter, transitioning from the relentless demands of club football to the unique challenges of international management. His appointment as Brazil’s head coach unites two giants of the game: the most successful manager in Champions League history and the nation with the most World Cup titles. As Ancelotti prepares to lead Brazil into a crucial phase of World Cup qualifying, the football world watches eagerly to see if he can add a sixth star to Brazil’s iconic yellow jersey. Meanwhile, Real Madrid bids farewell to a legend, setting the stage for a new era under a yet-to-be-confirmed successor.

For further updates on Ancelotti’s tenure with Brazil or Real Madrid’s managerial search, stay tuned to reliable football news outlets or follow discussions on platforms like X, where fans and insiders continue to share insights. Would you like me to monitor specific sources for additional details?