On Friday, Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid extended his contract until June 2026, preventing him from taking over as Brazil’s national coach.
Real Madrid released a statement saying, “Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid have reached agreement on the extension of his contract till June 30, 2026.”
It was rumoured in July of this year that, after his current Real contract expires next year, 64-year-old Ancelotti will become the first foreign coach to manage Brazil in nearly 60 years.
Fernando Diniz was appointed interim manager by the Brazil Football Confederation before Ancelotti’s expected appointment as manager for the 2024 Copa America.
After Ancelotti had earlier declared that the Real position would be his last in football, Ednaldo Rodriguez, the CBF’s president at the time, engaged in months of negotiations with him.
But it seemed that one of the sport’s most attractive and demanding occupations had brought about a shift in perspective.
“We pursued him not just because of his track record but also because he is a good man,” Rodrigues said earlier this year to beIN Sports.
He is described as being open, cultured, and appreciative of Brazilian football by those who have worked with him.
But under Diniz, Brazil’s on-field struggles have persisted, and they currently hold the sixth and last regional qualification slot for the World Cup of 2026.
One of the best coaches of all time is thought to be Ancelotti.
Four times in total, he has won the Champions League: twice with AC Milan and twice with Real Madrid.
With Real and Milan, Chelsea in England, Bayern Munich in Germany, and Paris Saint-Germain in France, he has won national league titles.
