Ancelotti unveiled as Brazil manager; Alonso reportedly signs Madrid deal
The Brazilian national team appointed Carlo Ancelotti as manager on Monday, making the Italian the first foreigner to ever coach the five-time World Cup winner.
Ancelotti will take charge of Brazil on May 26, a day after Real Madrid's final game of the La Liga season against Real Sociedad, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso will replace the Italian in time for the FIFA Club World Cup, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reports.
Madrid had already agreed to waive the final year of Ancelotti's contract with the club.
His first match as Selecao boss will be a World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 5.
His second tenure at Madrid is set to end without a major trophy. Sunday's 4-3 loss to Barcelona all but ended their La Liga title defense with three games to go.
Still, he won an incredible 15 trophies over his two spells, including three Champions League titles.
Ancelotti will continue coaching Madrid's Brazilian contingent, including Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, and Endrick.
Brazilian FA president Ednaldo Rodrigues said the hire is a "statement to the world that we are determined to regain the top spot on the podium."
Vinicius, who finished second to Rodri in Ballon d'Or voting last year, has always wanted Ancelotti to coach the Brazilian national team, calling him the "best coach in the world" in April 2023.
He's now tasked with leading Brazil through the final four rounds of CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. It's currently fourth in the South American standings, with the top six sides guaranteed qualification. The team in seventh will enter an inter-confederation playoff.
Previous manager Dorival Junior was fired in March after a 4-1 loss to Argentina.
CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying
| Team | MP | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Argentina | 14 | +18 | 31 |
| 2. Ecuador | 14 | +8 | 23 |
| 3. Uruguay | 14 | +7 | 21 |
| 4. Brazil | 14 | +4 | 21 |
| 5. Paraguay | 14 | +2 | 21 |
| 6. Colombia | 14 | +4 | 20 |
| 7. Venezuela | 14 | -4 | 15 |
| 8. Bolivia | 14 | -16 | 14 |
| 9. Peru | 14 | -11 | 10 |
| 10. Chile | 14 | -12 | 10 |
Alonso emerged as the most likely candidate to succeed Ancelotti as soon as it became clear his predecessor would join Brazil.
Alonso confirmed Friday that he's leaving Leverkusen, saying the moment was right to announce his departure.
Bayern Munich officially ended Leverkusen's Bundesliga title defense a week prior.
Alonso took over Leverkusen in October 2022, when they were near the relegation zone, and guided them to their first league and cup double the following season. They went unbeaten for 43 domestic matches, a 463-day run that ended with a loss to RB Leipzig at the end of August.