Brazil’s long-standing dream has come true. On Monday, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced Italian coaching legend Carlo Ancelotti as the new head coach of the national team. He becomes the second foreign manager in the storied history of the Seleção and is set to lead the squad into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In the statement, the CBF declared, “The most successful coach will now lead the most successful national team in football history in the world.” This appointment marks more than just a managerial change; it’s a bold declaration of Brazil’s ambition to return to the pinnacle of world football.
First-Ever National Team Job for Ancelotti
At 65, Ancelotti brings nearly three decades of experience at the highest levels of club football. Remarkably, this will be his first time managing a national team.
Brazil, on the other hand, has rarely sought leadership abroad. The last time the five-time World Cup winners appointed a foreign coach was in 1965, when Argentine Filpo Núñez lasted just a single match. This time, however, Brazil has recruited a true global heavyweight.
Ancelotti’s résumé speaks for itself. He has won the UEFA Champions League a record five times, twice with AC Milan (2002/03, 2006/07) and three times with Real Madrid (2013/14, 2021/22, 2023/24), making him the only manager to lift the trophy five times.
He is also the only coach to win league titles in all five of Europe’s top leagues: the Premier League (Chelsea), La Liga (Real Madrid), Serie A (AC Milan), Bundesliga (Bayern Munich), and Ligue 1 (Paris Saint-Germain). His arrival brings a level of pedigree rarely seen in international football.
A Big Bet from Brazil
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues called the appointment a “strategic move and a statement of intent,” signalling Brazil’s determination to reclaim its status at the summit of global football.
According to Brazilian outlet O Globo, Ancelotti has signed a lucrative contract reportedly worth 4 million Brazilian reais per month (approx. RM 3.05 million). Should he guide Brazil to World Cup glory in 2026, he will receive a bonus of 32 million reais (around RM 24.42 million).
The perks don’t stop there. The deal includes a private jet for travel between Europe and Brazil, a luxury apartment in Rio de Janeiro, and complete autonomy to select his coaching staff.
Real Madrid Left Out of Sync?
While the CBF claims Real Madrid agreed to an early release from Ancelotti’s contract (originally running until 2026), the Spanish giants have yet to issue formal statements.
According to Spanish radio station COPE, Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez abruptly halted plans to publish an announcement after the CBF jumped the gun. The two parties had reportedly agreed that Madrid would be the first to disclose Ancelotti’s exit.
Sources say Ancelotti and Madrid executives held several phone calls on Monday and even drafted a farewell message only for Pérez to pause, reportedly annoyed at Brazil’s breach of protocol.
On the Brazilian side, internal politics played a role. With CBF President Ednaldo facing leadership challenges and uncertainty surrounding his position, insiders believe he rushed the announcement to strengthen his standing.
New Era Begins Next Month
Ancelotti is set to officially take charge next month, just in time to lead Brazil in the upcoming South American World Cup qualifiers. The five-time world champions, the only team to feature in every World Cup, are eager to rebound after recent disappointments, including quarter-final exits in the last two World Cups and the Copa América 2024.
With Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil hopes to begin a new golden chapter in its football history, and fans across the country are already dreaming of a sixth star.
