RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL, (V7N) - The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Monday the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new manager of Brazil's national team. The deal will see the decorated Italian coach lead the five-time World Cup champions through the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti will depart his current position at Real Madrid following the club's final La Liga match of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25th.

In a statement released on Monday, the CBF declared, "The greatest national team in the history of football will now be led by the most successful coach in the world."

The confederation further stated that Ancelotti is scheduled to officially begin his tenure with Brazil on May 26th.

Ancelotti steps into the role vacated by Dorival Junior, who was dismissed on March 28th after Brazil's disappointing 4-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Argentina in Buenos Aires.

The CBF had reportedly also considered a list of high-profile candidates for the job, including former Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho, ex-Benfica manager Jorge Jesus, and current Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira.

Ancelotti's illustrious 30-year managerial career boasts successful stints at clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. His appointment marks a historic moment as he becomes the first foreign manager to lead Brazil's national team.

CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues emphasized the significance of the appointment, stating, "Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to lead Brazil is more than a strategic move. It is a statement to the world that we are determined to reclaim the top spot on the podium."

Rodrigues added, "He is the greatest coach in history and now he is leading the greatest national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football."

During his two spells as Real Madrid manager, Ancelotti secured an impressive 15 trophies, including a Champions League and La Liga double just last season.

Brazil currently sits fourth in the competitive 10-team South American World Cup qualifying group, trailing leaders Argentina by 10 points with four crucial matchdays remaining. The top six teams in the group will automatically qualify for the prestigious tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada next year, while the seventh-ranked team will have a chance to qualify through an intercontinental playoff.

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