Carlo Ancelotti Confirmed as Next Brazil Coach, Will Leave Real Madrid After Season Ends

By Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez | May 12, 2025

Ancelotti’s Brazil Appointment Made Official

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced Monday that Carlo Ancelotti will become the next head coach of the Brazil national team. The appointment will take effect after the conclusion of Real Madrid’s LaLiga season, with Ancelotti officially taking over on May 26, 2025.

Though Real Madrid have not yet released a formal statement confirming Ancelotti’s exit, sources indicate the transition is agreed upon.

A Tumultuous End to the Madrid Tenure

Ancelotti’s departure comes at the end of a challenging season for Real Madrid, including:

• Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Arsenal (5-1 aggregate)

• Loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final

• A 4-3 El Clásico defeat on Sunday that all but ended their LaLiga title hopes

The Italian manager, who has led Madrid in two separate stints, will exit having delivered three UEFA Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns — making him one of the most successful managers in club history.

The First Foreign Coach in Brazil’s History

Ancelotti will become the first non-Brazilian to manage the Seleção. According to ESPN Brasil, his new deal includes:

• A weekly salary of €177,500 ($197,000)

• A €5 million bonus if Brazil wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup

“He is the greatest coach in history, and now he is in charge of the greatest national team on the planet,” said CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.

Real Madrid Turn to Xabi Alonso

With Ancelotti’s exit now official, Xabi Alonso is set to become the next Real Madrid manager. Currently with Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has already announced his own departure at the end of the Bundesliga season.

The former Madrid midfielder played under Ancelotti between 2013 and 2014 and is regarded as one of the most promising young managers in Europe, having led Leverkusen to an unbeaten domestic double.

Club World Cup Uncertainty

Real Madrid are scheduled to compete in the expanded Club World Cup this June, with a matchup against Al Hilal on June 18 in Miami. However, it remains unclear whether Alonso or an interim manager will lead the team.

A Respectful Transition

The CBF publicly thanked Real Madrid and club president Florentino Pérez for their cooperation, acknowledging the professionalism of all parties involved.

“The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and Mr. Pérez for the cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach’s release,” the federation stated.

Negotiations were reportedly led by Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes, who played a key role in securing the deal.

LaLiga Standings (Top 11 as of Matchday 35)