Carlo Ancelotti confirmed on 13 May 2025 that he would leave Real Madrid and become Brazil’s head coach from 26 May.
The Italian was set to become Brazil’s first permanent foreign coach and take charge of the World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Ancelotti brings six seasons at Madrid to an end
“Football, like life, is an adventure that begins and ends,” Ancelotti said. “When I arrived, I always knew that one day it would end. That day will be the 25th.&
Ancelotti said the departure was a mutual decision and that it was time for a change. Across two spells with Real Madrid, he won a club-record 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles.
“I couldn’t be the Madrid coach forever,” he said.
Brazil turn to one of football’s most successful coaches
The Brazilian Football Confederation had announced the appointment a day earlier. Its president, Ednaldo Rodrigues, said hiring Ancelotti showed Brazil’s determination to return to the top of world football.
Brazil had been without a permanent coach since dismissing Dorival Junior in March. Ancelotti agreed a deal through the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti leaves without regret
The announcement followed Madrid’s 4-3 Clasico defeat to Barcelona, which left them seven points behind the league leaders.
Even so, Ancelotti rejected the suggestion that he was leaving frustrated. He said he would have accepted the outcome immediately if he had been promised 11 trophies in four years when he returned in 2021.
He also backed Xabi Alonso, the expected successor, saying the former Madrid midfielder had every quality needed to become a great coach.
