Carlo Ancelotti is expected to leave his position as Real Madrid head coach with the Brazil national team emerging as his most likely destination. This transition aligns with the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) aspirations to bring in a high-profile coach to lead the team into the 2026 World Cup.
Reportedly, Ancelotti has been a key target for Brazil since March, when The Athletic disclosed that the CBF considered him as the premier candidate for the head coaching vacancy. Alongside Ancelotti, Al Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus is also being evaluated, but the Italian tactician stands out due to his extensive experience and successful track record. The CBF has even referred to Ancelotti as “the president’s dream,” indicating their high regard for him as a suitable leader for the national team.
Despite having several options in front of him, including the possibility of remaining at Madrid in a non-coaching capacity, Ancelotti’s preference seems clear: he aims to join Brazil. This is especially pertinent, given that Brazil is currently in search of a head coach following the dismissal of Dorival Junior in March. The urgency for Brazil to finalize a new head coach is heightened by the upcoming international break, which will see them resume their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
Ancelotti has publicly stated that he would only depart from Madrid if the club’s board decides to part ways with him. However, as reported by The Athletic, there are advanced talks between Brazil and the 65-year-old manager. This indicates that negotiations may be progressing rapidly behind the scenes.
Recent reports have also mentioned that an emissary from the CBF was present at Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, with intentions to meet with Ancelotti. However, the Brazilian FA later denied claims of sending any emissary to Madrid, stating that the negotiations are solely handled by Rodrigo Caetano, the executive general co-ordinator for men’s national teams, and president Ednaldo Rodrigues, who are currently based in Rio de Janeiro.
For Real Madrid, clarity on their managerial situation is increasingly crucial, particularly as they gear up for participation in the newly-expanded Club World Cup, which starts on June 14. The Spanish champions are weighing their options and had planned to discuss Ancelotti’s future after the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, scheduled for April 26.
Notably, Madrid has also explored the idea of bringing in Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for Ancelotti if a change were to occur. While Real has faced challenges, including being knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal last week, they remain competitive in their pursuit of a domestic double. They are currently trailing Barcelona by seven points in La Liga, with seven rounds of matches left to play, and they still have a vital game against Hansi Flick’s side on the horizon. The coming weeks will be decisive for both Ancelotti and Madrid as they navigate their respective futures.
World of sports 
Leave a comment