In a significant shift for Brazilian football, Carlo Ancelotti is set to replace Dorival Jr. as the head coach of the Brazilian national team, with a contract extending until the 2030 World Cup. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, Ancelotti has finalized his departure from Real Madrid, with the official announcement expected to follow the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona on Sunday, May 11, 2025.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long sought Ancelotti's expertise, particularly since the departure of Tite after the 2022 World Cup. Ancelotti, who has a storied coaching career with clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, is anticipated to lead Brazil in crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June 2025.
Rodrigo Caetano, the director of selections for the CBF, confirmed on May 5, 2025, that the process of selecting a new coach was nearing completion. He expressed confidence in the responsible approach taken by the CBF in their negotiations. "The choice of the new commander was in an advanced stage," Caetano stated, hinting at the urgency given Brazil's current fourth-place standing in the World Cup qualifiers with 21 points.
Ancelotti's transition to the national team comes at a critical time, as Brazil's next matches are scheduled for June 5 against Ecuador in Guayaquil and June 10 against Paraguay at the Neo Química Arena in São Paulo. These fixtures are vital for Brazil's aspirations to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the CBF is keen to have Ancelotti at the helm for these encounters.
Initially, in July 2023, Fernando Diniz was appointed as the interim coach until Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid concluded in mid-2024. However, due to political instability within the CBF and Ancelotti's subsequent contract renewal with Real Madrid until 2026, negotiations stalled. With Dorival Jr.'s recent departure, Ancelotti emerged as the primary candidate once again.
Marca reported that the negotiations had encountered difficulties earlier, particularly concerning the terms of Ancelotti's exit from Real Madrid. Yet, with all details now settled amicably, the path is clear for Ancelotti to assume the Brazilian national team duties.
This announcement marks a turning point in Ancelotti's illustrious career, as it will be his first experience managing a national team. At 65 years old, he brings a wealth of knowledge and success, having won multiple league titles and UEFA Champions League trophies during his tenure at various clubs.
As the CBF prepares to finalize the details of Ancelotti's appointment, the expectation is that he will sign the official call-up list for the upcoming matches by May 18, 2025. However, it is understood that he will not be directly involved in assembling the squad due to his ongoing commitments with Real Madrid until the announcement is made.
In the meantime, the CBF has been considering alternatives, including Jorge Jesus and Abel Ferreira, but Ancelotti has always been the preferred choice for president Ednaldo Rodrigues. The urgency surrounding the coaching position is heightened by Brazil's pressing need to secure their place in the World Cup after a tumultuous qualifying campaign.
The Brazilian national team has a rich history and a passionate fanbase, and the appointment of a coach of Ancelotti's caliber is expected to inspire confidence among players and supporters alike. His previous successes in European football, including two UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, have established him as one of the top managers in the sport.
As Brazil gears up for the upcoming qualifiers, the focus will be on how Ancelotti's tactical acumen and experience can translate to success on the international stage. The Brazilian team, often regarded as a powerhouse in world football, will be looking to reclaim their status as a dominant force in the sport.
With the clock ticking down to the qualifiers, anticipation builds for Ancelotti's first official matches in charge of the Seleção. Fans will be eager to see how he implements his strategies and whether he can lead Brazil to a successful qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
As the situation develops, the football world will be watching closely. Will Ancelotti's arrival herald a new era for Brazilian football, or will the challenges of international management prove to be a different kind of test? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the excitement surrounding this appointment is palpable, and the stakes have never been higher for Brazil.
