Brazil

Carlo Ancelotti Appointed as Brazil Head Coach

Published MAY 13 2025

Story

Above: Carlo Ancelotti during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on May 11, 2025. Image credit: Maria Gracia Jimenez/Contributor/Soccrates/Getty Images Sport via Getty Images

The Facts

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti was officially announced Monday as the new coach of Brazil's men's national team, with a contract to lead the Seleção to the FIFA 2026 World Cup starting on May 26.
CBF Futebol
FIFA
One of the most successful coaches in world soccer with five UEFA Champions League titles, Ancelotti is set to debut in international coaching early next month as Brazil faces Ecuador away and Paraguay at home in World Cup qualifiers.
CBF Futebol
FIFA
According to reports, Ancelotti will be the highest-paid national team coach in the world, earning $10 million per year — more than double what his predecessors earned and close to the top salaries in Brazil's corporate sector.
AS
Folha de S.Paulo
He is the first foreign national to become Brazil's permanent head coach and the fourth to lead the side after Ramón Platero from Uruguay in 1925, Joreca from Portugal in 1944, and Filpo Núñez from Argentina in 1965.
BBC News
Sky Sports
This announcement ends a years-long saga to lure away from Real Madrid the first coach to win each of Europe's top five leagues. It comes as the five-time world champions suffered a 4-1 defeat to Argentina in March.
BBC News
Reuters
Real Madrid remained silent about the departure of Ancelotti, who is expected to lead the team in the three games left in La Liga. Reports suggest that Xabi Alonso will replace him.
The Associated Press
Sky Sports

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Ancelotti is a bold and necessary choice to restore Brazil's dominance in international soccer. His unmatched experience and success in top-flight competitions make him uniquely qualified to lead history's most successful national team. If anyone can be the catalyst Brazil needs to win its sixth World Cup, it's him.

ESPN

Narrative B

While Ancelotti is undoubtedly one of the greatest soccer coaches ever, his appointment to lead the Seleção is a risky choice. There is no guarantee that his success in club soccer will translate into success in international soccer, and with little more than a year until the World Cup, there is no time right now for him to build a competitive squad.