In a historic shift for Brazilian football, Italian football legend Carlo Ancelotti has officially been appointed as the head coach of the Brazil national team. This groundbreaking decision makes him the first foreigner to take up the position full-time since Brazil began competing internationally, breaking with a 100-year tradition of hiring only Brazilian nationals for the role.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed that Ancelotti will take over on May 26, 2025, after completing the current La Liga season with Real Madrid. He replaces Dorival Júnior, who had served in an interim capacity following the exit of Tite after Brazil’s underwhelming performance in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Ancelotti, 65, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most successful coaches in football history. His coaching career spans more than three decades, during which he has won a record five UEFA Champions League titles and domestic league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain—making him the only manager to achieve that feat.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues praised the appointment, calling it a bold but necessary move to reignite Brazil’s competitive edge. “Carlo Ancelotti is a name that commands respect globally. His track record speaks volumes. We believe his leadership will bring discipline, unity, and tactical excellence back to the Seleção,” Rodrigues said.
The decision to bring in Ancelotti had been in the works for over a year, with several delays due to his ongoing commitments with Real Madrid. During that waiting period, Dorival Júnior was brought in to stabilize the team and manage Brazil through friendlies and early World Cup qualifiers. Now, with Ancelotti’s arrival confirmed, the full transition to a new era is underway.
Ancelotti’s existing rapport with several key Brazilian players is expected to ease the transition. He currently coaches Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão at Real Madrid—three stars who are likely to form the spine of Brazil’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. His familiarity with their strengths and tactical tendencies is seen as a major advantage in building a cohesive and formidable unit.
Financial details of his contract suggest the CBF is fully backing his leadership. Reports indicate he will earn approximately €177,500 per week, with a substantial bonus clause of €5 million should he lead Brazil to their long-awaited sixth World Cup title in 2026.
His first official match in charge will be a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 6, 2025, followed by a fixture against Paraguay on June 10. Expectations are sky-high, as Brazilian fans and pundits alike see this as a crucial opportunity to break the cycle of recent disappointments on the global stage.
Ancelotti’s appointment has stirred a mix of opinions. Some fans and former players have raised concerns about bringing in a foreign coach to lead a team that’s always been guided by Brazilians. But many others see it as a smart move—his success in Europe, calm leadership style, and familiarity with key Brazilian players have given people reason to believe this could be a turning point.
Brazil is still chasing its sixth World Cup title. It’s a country that has produced legends like Pelé, Ronaldo, and Ronaldinho, but recent tournaments have fallen short of expectations. With Ancelotti now in charge, there’s a fresh sense of belief that Brazil can return to the top of international football.
