In a move that’s set to shake up international football, legendary Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season to become the new head coach of the Brazil national team. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) made the announcement on Monday, marking the end of a long courtship for one of the most decorated coaches in football history.
Ancelotti, 65, will step down from Real Madrid after four successful years during his second stint at the Spanish club. While the current season hasn’t delivered any silverware, his record with the team is nothing short of iconic. Under his leadership, Real Madrid lifted two Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, and multiple other domestic and international honors.
The Brazilian FA confirmed that Ancelotti will begin his new role next week. His immediate focus will be selecting a squad for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. He is expected to officially unveil the team on May 26 in Brazil.
The coaching switch comes at a crucial time for Brazil, who recently sacked former coach Dorival Jr. following a string of poor performances, including a humiliating loss to Argentina. Ancelotti’s appointment signals a bold move by Brazil to restore their dominance on the world football stage.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues didn’t mince words, stating, “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to coach Brazil is more than a strategic move. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to regain football’s top spot. He is the greatest coach in history, and now he leads the greatest national team on the planet.”
Ancelotti will reportedly become the highest-paid national team manager in the world with a one-year deal that could be extended, all in preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is set to replace Ancelotti with former player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso. The 43-year-old recently announced he would be leaving Leverkusen after winning a domestic double.
According to sources, Alonso has agreed to a two-year contract with Real Madrid, with an option to extend for another year. His first major challenge will be leading the team in the inaugural Club World Cup set to take place in the United States this June.
Ancelotti leaves behind a legacy unmatched by many. He is the first manager to win league titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues — Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain — and has accumulated a trophy cabinet that includes three Champions League wins, two Club World Cups, and more.
The official farewell from Real Madrid is expected before their final home game of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25, where fans will likely give the Italian coach a heartfelt send-off.
This transition not only marks a new chapter in Brazilian football but also sets the tone for the next generation of Real Madrid under Alonso’s leadership.
