Multiple Spanish media outlets reported on April 28, 2025, that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to take over the Brazilian national team.
The 65-year-old Italian, whose contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026, is poised to depart after a challenging season marked by a Champions League quarter-final loss to Arsenal and a Copa del Rey defeat to Barcelona. Ancelotti hinted at a potential exit, calling his future “a topic for the next weeks” after Saturday’s loss to Barcelona.
Spanish reports suggest Ancelotti will assume Brazil’s coaching role before the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June, leaving Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States. Brazil, currently fourth in South American qualifying, sacked Dorival Junior in March after a 4-1 loss to Argentina.
🚨🇧🇷 BREAKING: Carlo Ancelotti and Brazil have reached an agreement in principle for the Italian to become Seleçao head coach for the World Cup 2026.
Deal valid from June, NOT after Clubs World Cup.
Real Madrid and Ancelotti would part ways nicely with formal steps needed next. pic.twitter.com/w0KuNqvMEj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 28, 2025
Ancelotti’s experience with Brazilian stars Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes, key to Real Madrid’s 2024 Champions League and La Liga double, makes him a strong fit for the role.
Read: Real Madrid Advances in Champions League with Penalty Win
Ancelotti, one of Real Madrid’s most decorated coaches, won the Champions League three times across two stints (2013–2015, 2021–present), including the club’s historic 10th title in 2014. Despite his success, Real Madrid’s defensive struggles and a four-point gap to La Liga leaders Barcelona have dimmed their 2025 title hopes.
Ancelotti’s coaching pedigree also includes stints at AC Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, adding to his global reputation.