Carlo Ancelotti officially started his role as the new Brazil coach with a big press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. The 65-year-old Italian became the first foreigner in 100 years to manage Brazil full-time.
Carlo Ancelotti was welcomed by Brazil’s past World Cup-winning coaches—Carlos Alberto Parreira (1994) and Luiz Felipe Scolari (2002). Scolari even gave him a national team jacket, saying, “Just be you, and you will win with Brazil.”
Carlo Ancelotti Saying “No” to Neymar
One of Ancelotti’s first big decisions was to leave Neymar out of the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. Neymar had just returned from a muscle injury and wasn’t fully fit.
“Unfortunately, we have many injured players, including Neymar,” said Ancelotti. “I talked to him, and he understands. He’s preparing for the World Cup, and we are counting on him in the future.”
Belief in Vinícius Júnior
Ancelotti showed strong support for his former Real Madrid player, Vinícius Júnior, who has faced criticism for not performing as well with the national team.
“I’m sure Vinícius will show his best version with Brazil—like he did at Madrid, not this year’s version, but last year’s,” Ancelotti joked.
This statement came after Madrid had a less successful season, which helped him decide to move on after winning 15 trophies with the club.
Casemiro Returns After Long Absence
The 25-man squad also includes the return of experienced midfielder Casemiro, who had not played for Brazil for nearly 18 months.
“We need players like Casemiro—full of charisma, leadership, and sacrifice,” Ancelotti noted. “This is important if we want to succeed at the World Cup.”
A Huge Challenge Ahead
Carlo Ancelotti has a contract until the end of the 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With Brazil having gone 24 years without lifting the trophy, expectations are high.
Despite his success with five Champions League titles and top-league wins in Italy, Spain, France, England, and Germany, Ancelotti kept things humble:
“After 40 years, I still don’t know what exactly makes teams win,” he said. “But I do know that players need to be comfortable on the pitch.”
He also shared his excitement about exploring Brazil. “I’ve never been to the Christ Redeemer,” he smiled, promising to enjoy the country while chasing football greatness.
