Carlo Ancelotti is the new Brazil coach

Real Madrid's current coach is leaving the Spanish club and has already signed a contract with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Carlo Ancelotti will be the first foreigner to take on the role. The goal is to qualify Brazil for the 2026 World Cup.

The 65-year-old Italian coach will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and is expected to start working in Brazil on May 26.

The news was announced by The Athletic and later confirmed by the CBF through social media.

“Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium. He is the greatest coach in history and now he is leading the greatest team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football,” said Ednaldo Rodrigues, head of the Brazilian Football Confederation.

Brazil's next game is scheduled for June 5, against Ecuador, to count towards South America's qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

The Italian coach still had one year left on his contract in Madrid. However, second place in La Liga and defeat in the Champions League contributed to his early departure.

According to the Spanish press, Xabi Alonso, current coach of Bayer Leverkusen, will replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid and will lead the team in the Club World Cup, which starts on June 14 (the Spanish team will have Al Hilal, Pachuca and Salzburg as opponents in the groups).

At 65 years old, Carlo Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in the history of football. In the last four years he has been at Real Madrid and has won 11 titles: two Champions Leagues, two LaLiga titles, one Copa del Rey, two Spanish Super Cups, two European Super Cups and two Club World Cups.

Previously, during his first spell at Merengues, between 2013 and 2015, he had already won a Champions League, a European Super Cup, a Club World Cup and a Copa del Rey.

Before and after, the Italian has played for Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, AC Milan (where he won two Champions Leagues), Chelsea, PSG, Bayern, Napoli and Everton. As a coach alone, after a trophy-laden career as a player, Ancelotti has won 31 titles with victories in Europe's top five leagues: Italy, Spain, England, France and Germany.