Carlo Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid for Brazil: How many foreign managers have coached the Selecao?

The Brazilian Soccer Confederation (CBF) officially announced Carlo Ancelotti as the new coach of the senior national team. The former Real Madrid coach’s arrival comes at a crucial stage in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Brazil still needs to secure its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ancelotti takes over from Dorival Junior, who lost the job on March 28, 2025. Since he is Italian, many now wonder how many foreign coaches have led the five-time world champions before.

After leaving Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti joins a short list of foreign coaches in Brazil’s national team history. Only three others have held the role before him. Ramon Platero, a Uruguayan, coached six matches during the 1925 South American Championship. Nineteen years later, Portuguese coach Joreca managed just two friendly games. Then, 21 years after that, Argentine Filpo Nuñez led the team in a single match against Uruguay. Among them, only Platero made a meaningful impact, thanks to his slightly longer tenure.

Now, Ancelotti faces a much greater responsibility. Unlike his predecessors, he must lead a long-term and ambitious project with the Selecao. If he remains in charge beyond the 2026 World Cup, he will become the longest-serving foreign coach in Brazil’s history. This possibility adds more weight to his mission. His role is not only about winning matches. It is about building a renewed identity for one of the most iconic national teams in world soccer.

That challenge reflects a major shift within the CBF. For six decades, they relied exclusively on Brazilian-born coaches. But now, they have turned to one of Europe’s most successful managers. Ancelotti has earned a special place in Real Madrid’s history after winning multiple titles, including the three UEFA Champions League trophies. His arrivalhighlights Brazil’s willingness to break tradition and embrace change to guide the national team into a new era.

Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid

Brazilian World Cup winner legend shares controversial take on hiring a foreign coach for the national team

For many Brazilian soccer purists, the idea of hiring a foreign head coach seems unnecessary. This is especially a debate since they won five FIFA World Cups with domestic coaches. However, the mindset begins to change. Brazil did not lift the trophy for over two decades. Luiz Felipe Scolari led Brazil to its last World Cup title in 2002. Since then, no Brazilian manager delivered a project capable of reclaiming international supremacy since then.

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One of the most vocal critics is Rivaldo. He played a key role in Brazil’s 2002 championship run. Rivaldo said, “It is a lack of respect for Brazilian coaches to consider hiring a foreign coach for our national team…We have coaches capable of taking over the Brazil team and doing a good job. Foreigners are undoubtedly very good coaches too, but the Selecao is ours and has to be managed by someone who has Brazilian blood running through his veins,” as reported by The Guardian.

Despite the criticism, Carlo Ancelotti will take charge of the national team. His track record speaks for itself. He led multiple clubs to domestic success such as Real Madrid or AC Milan. He also led teams to European titles. Now, he faces a new challenge. He must bring a winning mentality back to Brazil. He will guide the Selecao at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.