The most decorated manager in UEFA Champions League history might soon find himself at the helm of world soccer’s most storied national team. With Real Madrid’s season teetering on the edge, Carlo Ancelotti appears closer than ever to taking over Brazil’s Seleção.
For months, rumors swirled about Ancelotti’s possible departure from the Santiago Bernabeu. Now, with Real Madrid out of the Champions League and its La Liga hopes dimming, those whispers have grown louder. “There’s nothing to say. We’ll talk about it at the end of the season,” the Italian boss recently told reporters when pressed about his future. But behind the scenes, a clearer picture is forming.
The Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) has never hidden its admiration for Ancelotti. President Ednaldo Rodrigues has long viewed the Italian as his dream candidate, ever since Tite stepped down after the 2022 World Cup. But following Brazil‘s recent slump—including a 4-1 humiliation against Argentina in World Cup Qualifying and a quarterfinal exit at Copa America 2024—the CBF acted swiftly, dismissing Dorival Junior in March.
Though Ancelotti remains under contract with Real Madrid until June 2026, there is growing belief in both Spain and Brazil that he will not see out his deal. Madrid’s 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals has cast a long shadow. Now, Saturday’s Copa del Rey final against Barcelona could prove decisive. A loss might not only seal the fate of Madrid’s trophy-less season—it could also accelerate Ancelotti’s exit.
Meanwhile, the CBF is preparing for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador (June 6) and Paraguay (June 9), and it wants its new manager in place well before the May 26 squad announcement.
Quiet talks, clear intentions
While both Ancelotti and the CBF remain tight-lipped, the conversations haven’t stopped. According to ESPN Brasil, discussions between Ancelotti’s entourage and the CBF have intensified over the past few weeks. “An agent and two Brazilian intermediaries are in Madrid, holding talks with Ancelotti’s son Davide,” sources confirmed. The CBF has publicly denied sending officials to Europe, claiming only men’s team coordinator Rodrigo Caetano and President Rodrigues are authorized to handle the negotiations.
But the outcome is beginning to feel inevitable. Reports from Spain suggest that Ancelotti has made up his mind, choosing Brazil over potential offers from former clubs Milan and Roma. Both Italian sides, though linked due to his history with them, appear to be on the outside looking in. The Athletic echoed the sentiment: “Things are aligning for Ancelotti to take over Brazil.”
Madrid’s exit strategy
If Ancelotti is to leave, Real Madrid already has a successor lined up. Bayer Leverkusen’s manager and former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly the club’s top choice. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro confirmed the existence of a “gentleman’s agreement” that would allow Alonso to depart if a former club comes calling.
That revelation came amid reports that Madrid will not keep Ancelotti for this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States. Instead, the club is preparing to move on as early as June, clearing the path for Ancelotti to make his international debut with Brazil on June 6.
