Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season to take over as head coach of the Brazil national team. The 65-year-old Italian will officially assume his new role on May 26, following the conclusion of the La Liga campaign.
Ancelotti departs the Santiago Bernabéu as one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid’s storied history, having secured 15 trophies across two tenures. Last season, he guided Los Blancos to a remarkable Champions League and La Liga double.
However, his decision to leave follows Real Madrid’s recent 3-1 El Clasico defeat to Barcelona, a result that left them seven points adrift of the league leaders with only three matches remaining. Barring an unexpected collapse from Barcelona, Real are on course to end the season trophyless for the first time in four years.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Ancelotti’s appointment in an official statement, hailing the move as a historic moment. “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,” the CBF said.
They praised Ancelotti as a “legend of the game” and expressed their gratitude to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for facilitating the early release of Ancelotti, whose contract was originally set to run until June 2026. The CBF also acknowledged businessman Diego Fernandes for his pivotal role in sealing the agreement.
Ancelotti replaces Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March after Brazil suffered a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying. Brazil currently sit fourth in the South American standings, having lost five of their 14 qualifiers, but remain in contention for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti’s first matches in charge of the Seleção will be next month’s qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador. Brazil are looking to reclaim their global dominance, having not won the World Cup since 2002 and last lifting the Copa América in 2019.
A managerial veteran of over 30 years, Ancelotti has led some of Europe’s top clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. He remains the only coach to have won league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues: Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and England.
Former Real Madrid and Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso, 43, is expected to succeed Ancelotti at the Bernabéu. Alonso, who recently announced his departure from Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, is reportedly being lined up to take charge before next month’s Club World Cup.
