Ancelotti to coach Brazil after Real Madrid exit, Alonso poised for Bernabéu return

Carlo Ancelotti will step down as Real Madrid coach at the end of the season to become Brazil’s new manager, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed on Monday, marking a historic move that installs the first foreign head coach of the Seleção in nearly six decades.

The 65-year-old Italian, one of the most decorated managers in world football, will take charge of Brazil through the 2026 FIFA World Cup and begin his tenure with qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay next month.

“The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world,” read a CBF statement. President Ednaldo Rodrigues added: “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.”

Ancelotti, who coached Brazil internationals Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao at Madrid, leaves with a year remaining on his contract. His final match will be against Real Sociedad on May 25. Despite winning a record-extending fifth Champions League title earlier this month, Real Madrid are poised to finish the season behind Barcelona in La Liga.

Ancelotti departs with 15 trophies from two spells in Madrid, including La Liga, Copa del Rey, and three Champions League titles. His replacement is widely expected to be Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who confirmed his exit from the Bundesliga side last week. Spanish reports indicate Alonso will take over from June 1.

(Source: AFP)