Ancelotti set to take charge of Brazil: reports

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has reportedly agreed to become the new manager of the Brazilian national team, according to several Spanish media outlets on Monday.

The veteran Italian, who still has a year remaining on his contract with the Spanish giants, appears ready to leave the Santiago Bernabeu following a difficult season. Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal and suffered a Copa del Rey final defeat to fierce rivals Barcelona on 27 april.

Ancelotti had already hinted that his departure could be imminent, stating after the defeat by Barcelona that his future would be "a topic for the next weeks."

Reports suggest that Ancelotti would assume control of Brazil ahead of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in june, meaning he would leave Madrid before the Club World Cup begins in the United States this summer.

Brazil are currently fourth in the South American qualifying standings for the 2026 tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada. They parted ways with former coach Dorival Junior after a heavy 4-1 defeat to Argentina in march.

Ancelotti is regarded as one of the most successful managers in Real Madrid's history. In his first spell, he led the club to the long-awaited 'La Decima' — their 10th European Cup triumph. Across two stints with Los Blancos, he has lifted the Champions League trophy three times. Although he was dismissed in 2015, he returned in 2021 following Zinedine Zidane's resignation and guided Madrid to a Champions League and La Liga double last season.

Brazilian stars such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes were pivotal under Ancelotti's guidance, further strengthening his links with the Selecao.

However, this season has seen Madrid struggle defensively and they trail La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, leaving the league title as their only realistic shot at major silverware.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ancelotti has also managed clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.