Carlo Ancelotti will be the next manager of Brazil.

The current Real Madrid boss is set to take up the role on May 26, after the end of the LaLiga season.

Ancelotti will become the first foreign head of coach of the Brazil national team.

And so Ancelotti will end his second reign in the Spanish capital, having added 11 trophies to his glittering CV including two LaLiga titles, two more Champions League crowns, and another Copa del Rey. Xabi Alonso is expected to succeed him and return to his old stomping ground after announcing his exit from Bayer Leverkusen. 

It comes just a day after Real Madrid suffered a 4-3 defeat by Barcelona in El Clasico, effectively ending their hopes of retaining their LaLiga crown. 

Carlo Ancelotti has been appointed as the next manager of the Brazilian national team

It comes just a day after Real Madrid’s 4-3 loss to Barcelona, effectively ending their title hopes

He will replace Dorival Junior, who lasted just 14 months and 16 matches in the role 

Madrid sit seven points behind their bitter rivals with three games to go and will need a miracle to somehow steal their thunder.

Ancelotti had come under increasing pressure after a disappointing season by Madrid’s high standards. 

They were thrashed 5-1 in the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal, while they also lost in the Spanish Super Cup final and the Copa del Rey final to Barca. 

The Brazil Football Federation issued a statement on Monday confirming the news and thanking Real for their co-operation.

The statement read: ‘The CBF is proud to confirm that Carlo Ancelotti will become the next head coach of the Brazilian national football team.

‘Mr Ancelotti, a legend of the game as the most successful manager in football history, will officially take charge following the conclusion of the 2024/-25 LaLiga season, ahead of Brazil’s FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in June. His official start date May 26th, 2025.

‘Carlo Ancelotti arrives as the first foreign manager in the history of the Selecao. This landmark moment sees the coming together of two icons – the only five-time FIFA World Cup champions, and a coach with an unmatched record across Europe’s elite competitions.

‘The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and Mr Perez for the cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term, allowing this new chapter to begin with mutual respect and cooperation between the teams.

Ancelotti arrives with a distinguished CV, having won the Champions League five times 

Brazil sit fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying stage but there is little jeopardy

The deal has been brokered by businessman Diego Fernandes on behalf of the Brazil Football Federation

‘The Confederation would also like to extend its thanks to Diego Fernandes who facilitated and led negotiations with Mr Ancelotti and Real Madrid on behalf of the CBF.

‘The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership.’

Brazil will be looking to seal their place at the 2026 World Cup and lift the title for the first time since 2002. 

It has been a turbulent time for the Selecao, who sit fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying group behind Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay after Dorival Junior’s 14-month tenure. 

This is the first time Ancelotti has taken a job outside club football.

His distinguished career at the elite level has led him to the heights of Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Madrid once again. 

In that time he has won five Champions League trophies, more than any other manager.

He is also the only manager to win all of Europe’s top five leagues. 

There were reports that he had turned down the Brazil job and that he was the subject of interest from Saudi Arabia, but he has opted to dip his toe into international management at an exciting time.