Carlo Ancelotti appointed Brazil national team manager | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti will take charge of the Brazil national team on 26 May, ending months of speculation surrounding his future.

The Italian will step down as Real Madrid manager after their final La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad, bringing a close to a trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital.

Ancelotti becomes the first foreign manager to lead the Brazil men’s national side, marking a significant departure from tradition by the Brazilian Football Confederation.

His appointment comes with a clear mandate — restore Brazil’s standing on the global stage and deliver a record-extending sixth World Cup title in 2026.

The CBF reached an agreement with Ancelotti after a series of amicable discussions. Diego Fernandes is understood to have played a central role in the talks that led to the Italian’s early release from his Madrid contract, which was set to run until 2026.

Ancelotti replaces Dorival Junior, who was sacked in March following a poor run of results, including a heavy 4-1 loss to Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

His first match in charge will be against Ecuador on 6 June, as Brazil look to steady their qualification campaign.

Ancelotti, 65, is among the most decorated managers in world football. Across two spells at Real Madrid, he lifted 15 trophies, including three Champions Leagues and two La Liga titles.

He returned to Madrid in 2021 and led the club to a domestic and European double in the 2021-22 season.

However, this campaign has been less fruitful, with the club knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal, beaten in the Copa del Rey final by Barcelona, and trailing in the La Liga title race.

Despite a disappointing end, his standing in Madrid remains secure, and his ability to manage star-studded squads under pressure is expected to serve him well in Brazil.

Ancelotti’s arrival signals a new direction for the five-time world champions, who have struggled for consistency since their 2019 Copa America triumph.

The CBF’s decision to look beyond its borders reflects both urgency and ambition as the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues.