Carlo Ancelotti announced as Brazil’s first foreign head coach, Will leave Real Madrid in May 2025

Rio de Janeiro / Madrid — The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced on Monday that Carlo Ancelotti will take over as head coach of the Brazil national team, making him the first foreign manager in the nation's storied football history. 

Ancelotti will step into the role following the conclusion of Real Madrid's 2024–25 LaLiga campaign, with his start date set for May 26, 2025.

The CBF confirmed that it had long targeted Ancelotti for the role, even expressing a willingness to wait until the end of Real Madrid’s season before making the move official. Brazil had hoped to have a new manager in place ahead of June's World Cup qualifiers, but opted to hold out for their top choice.

Ancelotti, 65, has faced increasing pressure at Real Madrid following a string of high-profile setbacks. Madrid were eliminated in the Champions League quarterfinals by Arsenal, lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, and suffered a dramatic 4-3 Clásico defeat in LaLiga on Sunday — a result that all but ended their title hopes.

Despite recent results, Ancelotti’s legacy at Madrid remains formidable. Across two spells at the club, he has secured three Champions League titles and two LaLiga championships, cementing his status as one of the most decorated managers in Real Madrid history.

The Italian manager had previously stated his intention to honor his Madrid contract, which was set to expire in June 2026. However, speculation over his future intensified in recent weeks, especially after Brazil signaled a strong interest in securing his leadership.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid have begun planning for life after Ancelotti. Sources told ESPN that the club is finalizing an agreement with Xabi Alonso to take over next season. Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, announced last week that he will step down at the end of the Bundesliga season.

A former Madrid midfielder from 2009 to 2014, Alonso also played under Ancelotti and began his coaching career within Madrid’s academy — a background that positions him as a natural successor at the Bernabéu.

Madrid have yet to announce who will lead the team at the FIFA Club World Cup, where they are scheduled to face Al Hilal in Miami on June 18.