Carlo Ancelotti: From Bernabeu to Brazil, what fans could expect
Reportedly dismissed Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti on move to Brazil. Photo Credit- Marca.com
The football world is abuzz with anticipation as Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in Real Madrid’s history, stands on the edge of a career shift. Reports confirm that the 65-year-old Italian is set to leave the Santiago Bernebeu at the end of the 2024/25 La Liga season to take charge of Brazil’s national team, a move that could redefine his legacy and reshape the Selecao’s fortunes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. After a celebrated tenure at Real Madrid, marred by a trophyless campaign and a heart breaking 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, Ancelotti’s potential move to Brazil is not just a managerial transition, it is a prophecy for one of football’s greatest tacticians.
How Brazil’s long interest has been realized
Brazil’s pursuit of Ancelotti has been a saga spanning years. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) first approached him in 2022, with renewed talks in 2023 after Tite’s exit. The sacking of Dorival Junior in March 2025, following a 4-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Argentina, reignited the chase. Brazil, fourth in CONMEBOL possibly qualifying but without a World Cup title since 2002, see Ancelotti as the “dream” candidate to restore their glory. Fabrizio Romano reports the CBF’s confidence in securing Ancelotti before the FIFA Club World Cup in June, with emissaries in Spain finalizing terms.
Diego Fernandes, a Brazilian businessman, has been pivotal, spotted at the Copa del Rey final in Seville to negotiate. Reports notes a “total agreement” on contract terms, with Brazil offering to match Ancelotti’s €10 million Real Madrid salary, potentially making him the highest-paid national team manager globally. The CBF aims for Ancelotti to debut in June qualifiers against Ecuador (June 6) and Paraguay (June 10), skipping Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign.
Brazil’s allure is undeniable, Ancelotti would coach stars he knows well: Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Eder Militao alongside Neymar, whose return from injury could spark a resurgence. Brazilian legends have spoken that if CBF chooses Ancelotti, the Selecao will be in good hands, while others have emphasized Ancelotti’s task to “build a Brazil team that is truly Brazil,” even if not champions. His target perhaps is getting Brazil to a World Cup semi-final, a milestone Brazil have not seen in 12 years.
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Why Ancellotti’s move to Brazil
Ancelotti’s move to international management, his first since a 1995 Italy U21 period marks a bold shift. With 31 major trophies across Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and England, including a record five Champions Leagues and five UEFA Super Cups, he’s conquered club football. Brazil offers a fresh challenge: winning a major trophy with a national team, a feat that would solidify his status as the GOAT.
His tactical ability adapting from 4-4-2 to 4-2-3-1, combining the experience of Luka Modric with stars like Mbappe suits Brazil’s flair-driven pattern. Ancelotti’s man-management, lauded by many football enthusiasts across the globe for thriving under pressure, could unify a Brazil squad suffering from recent humiliations.
Challenges in Ancelloti’s move to Brazil
The move is not without risks. Critics warns of timing issues, with the CBF racing to appoint Ancelotti before June qualifiers, potentially delaying his start to August if Madrid’s negotiations stall. Brazil’s urgency driven by a 23-year World Cup drought and a 4-1 Argentina thrashing adds pressure. Ancelotti’s lack of international experience raises questions, and potentially some available managers with international experience may come in the deal does not materialize.
At Madrid, the transition looms large with names like Xabi Alonso, Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga-winning coach, as the top successor, with interim options like Santiago Solari or Raul Gonzalez if Alonso delays until after the Club World Cup. Reports of Florentino Perez’s talks with Ancelotti in the coming days to finalize his exit, ensuring a respectful departure as Brazil remains his focus.
What fans could expect
Ancelotti’s final five La Liga games begining with a May 11 Clasico at Barcelona and a May 25/26 farewell against Real Sociedad offer a chance to secure a third La Liga title, trailing Barcelona by four points. This potential move suggests this could be his last El Clasico as Madrid’s coach, a final chapter to his 15-trophy reign. Brazil’s June qualifiers loom as his potential debut.
Fans on social media reflect mixed sentiments: Ancelotti’s Brazil move drew thousands of admiration, with some praising his legacy, others lamenting Madrid’s timing and drastic decision. CBF’s optimism garnered 5,000 retweets, signaling Brazilian excitement. However, some fans suggest otherwise as his earlier remarks about his potential departure from the club or his move to Brazil could be influenced by Perez.
Conclusion
Ancelotti’s potential move to Brazil is more than a job change, it is a chance to etch his name into international football’s history. Reports of Ancellotti as very close to the Selecao, with Fernandes’ negotiations nearing completion. For Brazil, he is the tactician to end a 24-year World Cup drought; for Ancelotti, it is the final chapter after 31 club trophies. Ancelotti is destined to take his leave away from Real Madrid for Brazil’s yellow and green. Whether leading Vinicius to World Cup glory or bowing out with a La Liga title, Ancelotti’s next chapter promises to be as epic as his last. The Selecao awaits as the question; will he deliver? Remains skeptical.
