Carlo Ancelotti Ends Real Madrid Era, Set to Coach Brazil at 2026 World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti will officially leave Real Madrid after a legendary second stint as manager, taking on a new challenge as the head coach of Brazil’s national team, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Monday.
The 65-year-old Italian exits Madrid as the most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history, having won five titles—two in his recent return with Madrid (2022 and 2024), and three earlier in his career.
Ancelotti, whose club-level journey includes spells at AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, returns to international football as the first foreign coach of Brazil since 1965.
From Club Legend to National Icon
Ancelotti first managed Madrid from 2013–2015, guiding the club to its historic ‘La Decima’—a 10th Champions League crown. After successful stints elsewhere, he made a surprise return in 2021 and again exceeded expectations by winning La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Club World Cup titles.
Despite a double-winning campaign with Jude Bellingham at the heart of his midfield last season, Madrid stumbled this year—falling behind Barcelona in the league and crashing out of the Champions League against Arsenal in the quarter-finals. These setbacks accelerated Ancelotti’s long-rumored exit.
New Role with Brazil
Ancelotti will officially begin his new role on May 26, ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues called the appointment “a global statement of Brazil’s intent to return to football’s pinnacle.” Brazil has underperformed in recent World Cups, last reaching the semi-finals in 2014, only to suffer a shocking 7-1 loss to Germany on home soil.
The Selecao hope Ancelotti’s tactical experience and familiarity with Brazilian stars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Militao, and Endrick—all of whom he coached at Madrid—will bring much-needed structure and vision ahead of World Cup 2026.
Ancelotti’s Career in Numbers
- Champions League titles: 5 (2003, 2007, 2014, 2022, 2024)
- Domestic league titles: Italy, England, France, Germany, Spain
- Trophies with Real Madrid: Champions League (2), La Liga, Copa del Rey, Club World Cup
Carlo Ancelotti now sets his sights on World Cup glory, aiming to become the first manager to win major international and continental titles in both club and national football.
