Carlo Ancelotti will step down as Real Madrid’s manager at the end of the current season to take charge of Brazil’s national football team.
The experienced Italian coach is set to begin his new role on May 26, following the conclusion of Real Madrid’s La Liga campaign.
This marks a significant shift for both club and country. Ancelotti, 65, leaves behind an impressive legacy at Real Madrid, where he managed a total of 350 matches over two separate terms. His time at the Santiago Bernabéu has been marked by major successes, including a La Liga and Champions League double just last season. In total, he has lifted 15 trophies with the Spanish giants.
However, his departure comes at a time when Real Madrid appear likely to finish the season without silverware. Their recent loss to Barcelona in El Clasico has left them trailing their rivals by seven points with only three league matches remaining. Unless Barcelona falter drastically, Real Madrid will go without a trophy for the first time in four years.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Ancelotti’s appointment and acknowledged the significance of hiring a non-Brazilian for the high-profile role. They credited Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez and businessman Diego Fernandes for helping facilitate the transition. Ancelotti’s current Real Madrid contract had been due to run until 2026, making his early exit notable.
He replaces Dorival Junior, who was dismissed in March after a crushing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualification. Despite that setback, Brazil still sit fourth in the South American qualifying table, keeping them in a good position to reach the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti will face an immediate challenge. Brazil have not lifted the World Cup since 2002 and their last Copa America title came in 2019. His first matches in charge will be qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador next month, where expectations will be high to turn around Brazil’s inconsistent form.
With a managerial career spanning three decades, Ancelotti brings vast experience from Europe’s top leagues. He has led elite clubs such as AC Milan, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Chelsea. Remarkably, he has won league titles in Italy, England, Spain, France, and Germany, a feat unmatched in modern football.
Real Madrid already appear to have a successor lined up. Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Spain midfielder, is expected to take over from Ancelotti. Alonso recently announced he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, and Real Madrid are eager to have him in place before the Club World Cup kicks off in June.
As Ancelotti prepares to guide Brazil into a new era, both Real Madrid and the Seleção are betting on fresh leadership to meet their high expectations.