By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has confirmed that Italian football legend Carlo Ancelotti will take over as head coach of Brazil’s men’s national team.
This appointment makes him the first foreigner to assume the role in a competitive capacity since 1925.
The 65-year-old Ancelotti, widely regarded as one of the most successful managers in football history, will step down from his role at Spanish giants Real Madrid at the end of the domestic season.
He is scheduled to assume his new duties on May 26, the day after Madrid’s final La Liga match against Real Sociedad.
“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 said in a statement on Monday.
The Confederation expressed its gratitude to Real Madrid and club president Florentino Pérez for their “cordiality and sportsmanship” in releasing Ancelotti mid-contract.
Ancelotti’s appointment marks a new era for the Seleção, which has not lifted a World Cup trophy since 2002.
The decision to hire a non-Brazilian coach has sparked intense debate in the football-mad nation, where national pride and cultural identity are deeply woven into the team’s legacy.
Past coaching stints by foreigners such as Ramón Platero in 1925 and brief, non-competitive appearances by Portugal’s Joreca and Argentina’s Filpo Núñez were largely symbolic.
Ancelotti’s full-time appointment signals a major shift in the CBF’s approach to restoring Brazil’s dominance on the global stage.
Ancelotti’s prowess are unmatched, he holds a record five UEFA Champions League titles as a coach, three with Real Madrid and two with AC Milan and has also won domestic league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain.
He will be tasked with bringing tactical discipline and renewed confidence to a Brazilian squad searching for identity and success.
Meanwhile, speculation is mounting that former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso will replace Ancelotti at the Bernabéu.
Alonso recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen after leading the German club to an unbeaten Bundesliga title and a domestic double last season.
