Carlo Ancelotti to Brazil: He is confirmed as first foreign coach of Brazil national team in nearly a century
The legendary Italian coach, Carlo Ancelotti, will leave Real Madrid to lead Brazil, marking a historic shift in the team’s leadership after nearly a century of domestic appointments.
Carlo Ancelotti has officially been named head coach of the Brazil men’s national football team, becoming the first foreign manager to lead the five-time FIFA World Cup champions since 1925. The announcement was made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Monday, ending months of speculation about Ancelotti’s future.
The 65-year-old Italian will leave Real Madrid at the conclusion of the La Liga season to take up his first-ever role as a national team manager. The CBF welcomed Ancelotti as a “football legend” and expressed confidence that his appointment would usher in a “new era of success” for Brazilian football.
Historic appointment and departure from Real Madrid
Ancelotti is set to assume the role on May 26, one day after Real Madrid’s final league match against Real Sociedad. The Spanish giants currently sit second in La Liga, trailing leaders Barcelona by seven points following a dramatic 4-3 loss in El Clásico. In a gesture of cooperation, the CBF publicly thanked Real Madrid and president Florentino Pérez for their willingness to release Ancelotti before the end of his contract.
This marks a major shift for Brazil, a team historically managed by domestic coaches. The last foreigner to take charge of the national side was Portuguese coach Jorge Gomes de Lima in 1925, in a shared role. Ancelotti’s solo appointment signals Brazil’s intent to blend global experience with their iconic footballing heritage.
Ancelotti's record and future of Real Madrid
Ancelotti departs Europe with one of the most decorated resumes in club football. He holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles won as a coach (five), achieved with AC Milan and Real Madrid. He has also claimed domestic league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain—making him the only manager to win all five major European leagues.
As Ancelotti heads to South America, it is widely expected that former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will succeed him at the Bernabéu. Alonso recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen after a historic Bundesliga-winning season, and is anticipated to lead Madrid into this summer’s expanded FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
A historic appointment for Brazilian football
Carlo Ancelotti’s hiring marks the first time in nearly a century that Brazil has appointed a foreign coach to lead its men’s national team. The last time a non-Brazilian held the position alone was in 1925, making this a highly symbolic and unprecedented move for the five-time World Cup champions. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) praised Ancelotti as a "legend" and highlighted the union of his elite European pedigree with the rich footballing tradition of Brazil.
The appointment also signals Brazil’s desire to modernize and internationalize its tactical approach. With Ancelotti’s vast experience managing top clubs, expectations are high that he will bring stability, global vision, and tournament success. The CBF emphasized the collaborative nature of the transition, expressing gratitude to Real Madrid and its president for facilitating the early release of the coach.
