Carlo Ancelotti, current manager of Real Madrid, is confirmed to bid farewell to the club at the end of the upcoming season, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming his appointment as the head coach of Brazil starting in 2024.
The imminent departure of the Italian from Los Blancos became evident as the club failed to claim the La Liga title in the last season. Even as rumors swirled, Ancelotti remained committed to his contract with Real Madrid. A brief hiatus in speculation followed their Copa del Rey triumph, only to regain momentum as the season closed.
As of now, credible sources, including Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and various Brazilian outlets, have verified CBF president Ednaldo's declaration of an agreed contract with Ancelotti to lead Brazil from June 2024. His initial responsibility will be to guide the team in their 2024 Copa America journey.
Brazil's leadership was previously under Tite until the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. After Brazil's unexpected quarter-final exit to Croatia, Tite resigned, and the reins were passed to the interim manager and U20 coach, Ramon Menezes, who will now revert to his earlier role.
The CBF has named Fluminense's Fernando Diniz as the stopgap manager until Ancelotti's arrival in 2024. Even though his tenure will be temporary, Diniz is ecstatic about the opportunity, terming it as a dream come true and an immense honor. "Fernando Diniz will lead the Brazilian team for a year, and I'm sure he will do it with great competence, as always during his professional career," stated CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
Brazil will face numerous pivotal games under Diniz's management in the lead-up to Ancelotti's appointment, including clashes with South American powerhouses Argentina and Uruguay in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and upcoming matches against Bolivia and Peru this September.
Ancelotti's Brazilian assignment will be historic as he will be the first foreign coach for Brazil in nearly 60 years. The anticipation surrounding his appointment is heightened by Ancelotti's impressive record as both a player and manager. He clinched the UEFA Champions League trophy a record four times, twice each with AC Milan and Real Madrid. He also secured the FIFA World Cup in 1990 as an Italian player. Furthermore, Ancelotti is the only manager to claim titles in all five of Europe's top leagues.
With Ancelotti's future secured, Real Madrid now face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement. Potential successors include Real Madrid legends Xabi Alonso and Raul Gonzalez, both of whom have transitioned successfully into managerial roles. Raul has had a successful stint leading Real Madrid Castilla, while Xabi is currently serving as head coach for German side Bayer Leverkusen. Fans also anticipate a potential comeback for Zinedine Zidane after he lost his opportunity to manage the French National Team.
