Italian Seleção: Carlo Ancelotti set to coach Brazil's national team from May 26

Veteran Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is set to coach the Brazilian national football team from May 26, after seeing the current La Liga season through to completion with Real Madrid, as per an announcement on Monday from the team's official handle.

Despite Madrid's recent defeat at Sunday's El Clasico—leaving them reeling behind table toppers FC Barcelona by seven points—he still leaves behind a rich legacy at the Bernabeu. The 65-year-old has won 15 trophies across two successful stints as Los Blancos' manager, even leading them to a Champions League and La Liga double last season.

A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) stated that Ancelotti was a "legend of the game" and acknowledged the significance of a foreign coach taking charge of the team.

"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.

"The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership."

Despite Ancelotti's Real Madrid contract originally ending in June 2026, as per a BBC report, the exit of former Brazilian coach Dorival Junior—after Argentina thrashed them 4-1 at the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup—paved the way for the Italian's early exit. 

His seat at Real Madrid will now be occupied by retired midfielder extraordinaire Xabi Alonso, who had announced on May 9 that he would be leaving Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen at the end of their season. 

Brazil has not won a World Cup since 2002, and a Copa America since 2019, as a result of which Ancelotti will now face a mountain of expectations when he finally takes his place at the Seleção. 

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