Brazilian FA announces Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival

Carlo Ancelotti will leave his role at Real Madrid at the end of the current La Liga season to become the first foreign manager in the history of the Brazilian national football team.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced the landmark appointment, hailing Ancelotti as a legendary coach with an unmatched record in Europe’s elite competitions.

He will officially assume the role on May 26, 2025, ahead of Brazil’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins with a fixture against Ecuador on June 6.

Ancelotti, 65, concludes his second stint at Real Madrid after four years, during which he added to his illustrious managerial résumé. The Italian’s departure comes with three La Liga games left in the season. The CBF’s statement emphasized their excitement at pairing the five-time world champions with one of the most successful coaches in football history, marking a new era for the Seleção.

With Ancelotti’s departure, speculation has intensified around his potential successor at the Bernabéu. Xabi Alonso, who recently announced he will leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, has emerged as the leading candidate.

According to BBC Sport’s Guillem Balague, Real Madrid hopes to have Alonso in place by June 1 to prepare the squad for the Club World Cup, where they will face Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in their opening match in Miami on June 18.

Reactions from fans have poured in, with many criticizing Real Madrid’s decision to let Ancelotti go. Some expressed disappointment at what they perceive as a lack of appreciation for his Champions League success, while others view his appointment by Brazil as an opportunity for him to further cement his legacy, especially if he leads Brazil to World Cup glory in 2026.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou addressed his side’s upcoming final against Manchester United, emphasizing the significance of the moment and the effort required to win a rare trophy.

Postecoglou reflected on the club’s history, noting the black-and-white photos on the stadium walls as a reminder of past glories and the importance of etching new memories. He also gave updates on Son Heung-Min’s fitness, expressing optimism that the forward could be ready for the final if he trains consistently.