Brazil have confirmed that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will become the national team’s new head coach.
Ancelotti’s future with Real Madrid has been the subject of much speculation in recent months despite being under contract until the summer of 2026.
Los Blancos have experienced an underwhelming season, losing to Barcelona in the finals of the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.
Their Champions League journey ended in a quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, while their La Liga title hopes were effectively ended in Sunday’s 4-3 loss to rivals Barcelona.
Given the lack of success this season, there was a strong possibility that Ancelotti would be removed from his post to make way for a new manager.
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Brazil confirm Ancelotti as new head coach
However, a suitable solution has ultimately been found for both parties, with the Italian set to depart his role to take over the reins as Brazil national team coach.
While Real Madrid are yet to confirm his departure, the Brazilian FA (CBF) released a statement on Monday to confirm the appointment of Ancelotti.
In the statement, the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues said: “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move.
“It’s a statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium. He is the greatest coach in history and now he is in charge of the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write glorious new chapters for Brazilian soccer.”
The CBF also thanked Real Madrid president Florentino Perez for his “cordiality and sportsmanship” to help facilitate the appointment of Ancelotti.
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When will Ancelotti start?
The CBF confirmed that Ancelotti’s official start date will be on May 26, just after Real Madrid’s final game of the season against Real Sociedad.
However, the 65-year-old will begin work this week to help form a preliminary squad for his first two World Cup qualifiers as Brazil boss.
Ancelotti will start his tenure with an away game against Ecuador on June 5, before he oversees his first home fixture against Paraguay on June 11.
Brazil are sitting in fourth place in the CONMEBOL standings, having won six, drawn three and lost five of their 14 qualifiers.
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What next for Real Madrid?
The appointment signals an end to Ancelotti’s second stint as Real Madrid boss, in which he has won two league titles, two Champions League trophies, two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, a Copa del Rey, a FIFA Club World Cup and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup.
With Ancelotti set to leave at the end of the season, Real Madrid are widely expected to appoint their former midfielder, Xabi Alonso, as his replacement.
Alonso has already confirmed he will leave his role as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the Bundesliga season.
