Zico Backs Ancelotti as Brazil’s Best Bet to Regain Global Glory

Brazilian football icon Zico has thrown his full support behind Carlo Ancelotti, calling the Italian manager the ideal choice to restore Brazil to the pinnacle of world football. In a candid conversation with AFP, Zico lauded Ancelotti’s proven track record with Brazilian talent and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the national team to glory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

“Ancelotti played with Brazilian players, he has been a champion coach with Brazilian players at several teams and he’s always praised Brazilian players and put them in a position to help him,” said Zico from Japan, where he serves as an adviser to J. League club Kashima Antlers.

Ancelotti’s appointment marks a historic shift, making him the first foreign-born coach to lead Brazil in nearly 60 years. At 65, the five-time Champions League-winning manager brings a wealth of experience from stints at elite clubs like Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Chelsea. His recent success with Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, transforming him into a top performer in La Liga, is cited as a testament to his ability to harness Brazilian flair effectively.

“He has a great understanding, he loves football and his approach to football is very much in line with Brazilian thinking,” Zico added. “So I think he can be successful for this reason, he can help Brazilian players thrive with his knowledge, his ability and his expertise.”

With Brazil currently fourth in the South American qualifying standings, Ancelotti faces an uphill task to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The national team has cycled through three coaches since Tite’s departure after the 2022 World Cup quarterfinal exit to Croatia.

Zico acknowledged the challenges facing Brazilian coaches on the global stage, pointing out their diminishing presence in regions that once welcomed them, such as Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

“Now is not a good time for Brazilian coaches, not just in Brazil but all over the world,” he said. “Now, when it comes to the Brazil team, if you’re going to bring someone in, bring the best. As I see it, Brazil brought the best. For me he’s the best, so I don’t see anything to complain about.”

Despite upcoming difficult fixtures against Ecuador and Bolivia, Zico remains optimistic. “I think Brazil have a chance if Ancelotti manages to do a good job in the short time he has. I think Brazil could become one of the contenders for the title. Why not? I don’t see any team in the world today as favourites.”