Carlo Ancelotti Handed Fresh Brazil Ultimatum After Real Madrid Exit Stalls

Ancelotti in Talks With Brazil Amid Madrid Future Uncertainty

In the latest twist in the long-running saga involving Carlo Ancelotti and the Brazilian national team, the experienced Italian tactician is facing increased pressure to decide his future. The Brazilian football federation (CBF) has reportedly set a clear deadline: 20 May. By then, they expect Carlo Ancelotti to give a definitive answer about whether he will accept their offer to lead Brazil into the 2026 World Cup cycle.

This development comes at a time when Carlo Ancelotti’s current role at Real Madrid remains in limbo. Despite a glittering CV and recent domestic success, his tenure in the Spanish capital is showing signs of stagnation. While many still remember his Champions League triumphs, including the historic La Decima in 2014 and another European crown in 2022, recent underwhelming performances in both La Liga and Europe have cast doubts over his immediate future.

Madrid’s Title Hopes Fade as Pressure Mounts

Ancelotti’s Madrid have failed to maintain consistency in the latter half of the 2024/25 season. A premature Champions League exit and a potentially fruitless title race trailing Barcelona have added fuel to speculation surrounding his exit. The recent Copa del Rey final loss to their eternal rivals didn’t help his case either.

Madridistas, always demanding, have grown impatient, and it’s being suggested that even a strong finish to the La Liga campaign might not be enough to secure Carlo Ancelotti’s future. The situation is made even murkier by the lack of clarity from Real Madrid’s board. While the club has been exploring future managerial options, including their former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, no transition plan has been made public.

Brazil’s Interest Is Real, But Timeline Is Tight

Ancelotti would be leading Brazil into the 2026 World Cup / PATRICK T. FALLON/GettyImages

Brazil’s pursuit of Carlo Ancelotti is nothing new. The CBF has long been open about their admiration for the veteran coach, who they see as the perfect figurehead to lead their talented but transitional squad into the 2026 World Cup. Negotiations between Carlo Ancelotti and the CBF had gained traction earlier in the year but appeared to stall in recent weeks.

A source within the federation, speaking to the Associated Press, made it clear: “It is clear there’s no done deal with anyone for now.” Still, the federation is determined to announce their new coach in time for the World Cup qualifiers squad list, due on 20 May. This date has become a hard deadline for Carlo Ancelotti, who is now expected to make his position clear within the next few weeks.

Madrid Weighing Successor Options

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are understood to be laying the groundwork for life after Carlo Ancelotti. Their preferred long-term candidate remains Xabi Alonso, who has impressed during his time at Bayer Leverkusen. However, Alonso’s commitment to his current club and the timing of his potential arrival complicate matters.

To cover the gap, Madrid are reportedly considering bringing back former manager Santiago Solari on an interim basis, at least until the Club World Cup in June. Solari previously coached the team briefly in 2018–19 and is familiar with the environment, but isn’t expected to be a long-term solution.

Tension Mounts Ahead of Clasico

Adding further drama to this managerial merry-go-round is the upcoming Clasico clash on 11 May. With Barcelona currently leading La Liga, this match could be pivotal. A Madrid win would breathe new life into their title hopes and potentially delay any decision on Carlo Ancelotti’s future until the final matchweek. A loss, on the other hand, might force the club’s hand sooner.

Ancelotti’s fate could, therefore, hinge on the result of one game. It’s a precarious position for a coach of his pedigree, but one not unfamiliar to him. His 2015 dismissal from Real came just a year after delivering one of the most important trophies in the club’s history. It’s a brutal reminder of how quickly fortunes can change at a club of Madrid’s stature.

Brazil Want Clarity – Not Conflict

From Brazil’s point of view, the longer the uncertainty drags on, the more complicated it becomes. They are wary of entering a key international window without a coach, and have no interest in being strung along until Madrid make their move. Though compensation could be arranged, the CBF are hoping for a clean transition.

The federation also knows that naming a high-profile coach like Carlo Ancelotti would bring instant credibility and optimism to a squad still recovering from a disappointing 2022 World Cup campaign. With young talents like Endrick, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior forming the core of the new generation, they believe Carlo Ancelotti is the man to harness this potential.

A Defining Decision Looms

Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most respected and decorated managers, now finds himself at a crossroads. Should he stay and weather the storm in Madrid, possibly guiding the team through one final campaign? Or does he take on a new challenge with Brazil, leading a global football powerhouse on the biggest international stage?

Whatever the decision, it will have ripple effects across the footballing world. For now, the countdown to 20 May has begun, and both Madrid and Brazil await Carlo Ancelotti’s call.