For months, Carlo Ancelotti had been seen as the dream candidate for Brazil. However, a surprising name has now emerged as the frontrunner to lead the nation into the next era — Jorge Jesus, a Portuguese coach currently at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
It’s been a turbulent few weeks for the Brazilian national team, who are reeling from a heavy 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina. That defeat not only cost Dorival Junior his job, but also pushed Brazil into an urgent hunt for a new leader ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Throughout the process, Brazil’s Football Federation (CBF) cast a wide net, reportedly considering Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, and one of Europe’s most revered managers — Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti.
For months, Ancelotti had been seen as the dream candidate. But as the dust settles in Madrid following a disappointing performance against Arsenal, a surprising name has now emerged as the frontrunner to lead the nation into the next era — Jorge Jesus, a Portuguese coach currently at Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia.
The appointment is not yet official, but multiple Brazilian media outlets report that the CBF is ready to make the announcement in May, before the 2025 Club World Cup kicks off, signaling a definitive change in direction for the five-time world champions.
Jorge Jesus: The new face of Brazil?
According to UOL, Jorge Jesus has reached a verbal agreement with the CBF, who are prepared to pay a hefty $2.8 million release clause to free him from his contract with Al-Hilal. The Portuguese tactician is expected to sign a contract that will run through the 2026 World Cup, though his salary will only be about 20% of his current wages in Saudi Arabia. The trade-off? Substantial performance-based bonuses.
This will mark the first time Jesus takes charge of a national team, and it’s a position fraught with pressure. Brazil, despite boasting elite talents across Europe, has struggled to maintain its historic dominance on the world stage. After Argentina’s recent ascendance, the CBF is determined to regain its footing — and they believe Jesus can spark that revival.
But the choice could create tension within the squad. Neymar, currently recovering from injury and recently returning to Santos, may not find himself in Jesus’s plans. The coach had previously left Neymar out of his squad at Al-Hilal, citing his physical limitations. “The Saudi League is one of the world’s top leagues, but Neymar can no longer perform at the level we are accustomed to“, the experienced boss said in January.
End of the road for Ancelotti?
With Brazil looking elsewhere, Carlo Ancelotti’s hopes of coaching the Seleção appear dashed. The Italian maestro, who has reportedly received multiple offers from the CBF over the past year, now finds himself in an awkward position. If, as expected, he parts ways with Real Madrid at the end of the season, his next destination is far from certain.
This sudden shift hasn’t gone unnoticed in Italy, where one of Serie A’s most beloved figures — a former legend of Roma — commented on Ancelotti’s future. Attending the RB Awards in Moscow, the legend was asked by La Repubblica about who he would like to see manage his former club next.
“Ancelotti and Mourinho are the best in the world. Who would I like? We have already tested Mourinho. If Ancelotti were to think about it, then he would be welcome,” he said with no hesitation.
It was a subtle yet powerful message: while Brazil may have passed on Ancelotti, Italy — and Roma — still sees him as a perfect fit.
