Brazil-Linked Carlo Ancelotti Signs New Real Madrid Deal Until 2026
Carlo Ancelotti was supposed to become the Brazil nation soccer team’s coach in the summer of 2024. At least, that is what the Brazilian federation was telling us. They were completely confident. It was supposed to be a done deal. But now, it looks like it isn’t happening.
Ancelotti has agreed to a contract extension to remain as Real Madrid head coach until June 2026, the club announced on Friday. Ancelotti returned to the club in 2021 for his second spell in charge and won a LaLiga and Champions League double in his first season back.
His previous deal was due to expire in June 2024, and that was when the Italian was supposed to take over as Brazil’s head coach. “Today is a happy day. Real Madrid and I will continue our journey together looking for new, greater successes,” Ancelotti said in a post on X later on Friday.
Ancelotti is one of the most decorated coaches of all time. He has won four Champions Leagues and won the league title in all 5 of the major European leagues; England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France. This is a blow to the Brazilian federation, who made no secret their desire for Ancelotti to be their coach.
Amid the injury crises and poor form of Brazilians at the moment, 2023 has not been a good year for the Brazilian FA. Coming into the 2022 World Cup, Brazil was in fantastic form, the favorite. After crashing out in penalties in the quarterfinals to Croatia, Brazil seem to have lost their mojo.
Brazil are in 6th place in 2026 World Cup qualifying. And while the expanded amount of teams that will qualify and long format mean Brazil are in no danger of missing out on the World Cup, they do not look anywhere near winning it. 2026 will mark 24 years since Brazil last made a World Cup final, much less won it. The nation is aching for their 6th World Cup victory.
Brazil will always have incredible players. Vinicius is and will continue to be a star. 17 year old sensation Endryck will be heading to Real Madrid when he turns 18. And Brazil have a list of players at top European clubs way too long write out. But they do need to put the pieces together if they want to actually lift the World Cup trophy again.
It looks like Carlo Ancelotti will not be coaching the Brazilian national team. How big a blow is this? It’s not great, but if there is any national team that can respond to this, it is Brazil. But the question is, will they?