Former Ballon d’Or winner and Brazilian football icon Ricardo Kaká has thrown his full support behind Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as the new head coach of the Brazil national team, calling the Italian manager’s arrival “a blessing” for the Seleção.
Kaká, who played under Ancelotti at AC Milan during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, reacted warmly to the announcement made by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) that the veteran coach will officially take charge of Brazil’s national team later this month.
“Welcome, Mister Ancelotti! May God bless you!” the ex-Real Madrid playmaker posted on his Instagram story, quoting the CBF’s confirmation with a heartfelt endorsement.
Ancelotti Set for Historic Role
Carlo Ancelotti, 65, will become the first non-Brazilian to manage the Seleção in nearly sixty years. His appointment marks a significant departure from Brazil’s traditional preference for home-grown tacticians, underscoring the CBF’s ambition to revitalize the national team with fresh international expertise.
In the official statement released on October 20, 2023, the CBF declared: “The Brazilian Football Confederation is proud to confirm that Carlo Ancelotti will assume the role of head coach of the Brazil national football team at the conclusion of his current commitments with Real Madrid.”
The veteran manager is expected to begin his new position on May 26, 2025, shortly after the close of the La Liga season, where his current side, Real Madrid, is facing a title-less campaign.
Kaká’s Endorsement Comes with Personal Ties
Kaká’s support comes as no surprise to those familiar with the deep admiration between player and coach. During their time together at AC Milan, the duo won multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League in 2007, a season where Kaká also picked up the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Speaking in a past interview, Kaká described Ancelotti as “a coach who understands players and gives them the confidence to shine.” The Brazilian legend has long credited Ancelotti for his development into one of the world’s best midfielders.
With Ancelotti now tasked with leading a new generation of Brazilian talent, Kaká’s ringing endorsement serves as both a nod to the past and a hopeful glimpse into the future.
Real Madrid Exit Confirmed After Mixed Season
Ancelotti’s final season at Real Madrid has been filled with challenges. His team suffered defeats in both the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España at the hands of arch-rivals Barcelona. Additionally, a dramatic UEFA Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal and a recent 4-3 El Clásico loss have all but confirmed Madrid will end the campaign without a major trophy.
Currently trailing Barcelona by seven points with only three matches left in La Liga, Ancelotti’s departure appears timely. Despite this underwhelming season, his legacy at the Santiago Bernabéu is firmly intact.
Across two spells in charge, Ancelotti has won 15 trophies with Los Blancos — including two Champions League titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and the La Liga crown. He is now regarded as the most successful manager in Real Madrid history.
A New Chapter for Brazil
Ancelotti’s appointment is seen as a bold step by the Brazilian Football Confederation, aiming to restore the Seleção to global dominance after recent underwhelming tournament performances. Brazil crashed out in the quarter-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and have struggled to maintain their long-held aura of invincibility.
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues emphasized the strategic nature of the decision, saying: “We believe Carlo Ancelotti’s experience, character, and tactical vision will guide Brazil back to the top of international football.”
Ancelotti will lead Brazil in the upcoming CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches, beginning with a trip to Quito to face Ecuador on June 5, followed by a home clash with Paraguay on June 11. These matches will serve as an early test of the Italian’s influence and adaptation to South American football.
What Lies Ahead for Ancelotti?
Brazilian fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Ancelotti will integrate with the Seleção, both culturally and tactically. Known for his calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and ability to manage star-studded squads, Ancelotti’s appointment has raised both hopes and questions.
“Ancelotti knows how to handle pressure, and Brazil is all about passion and expectations,” said ESPN Brazil analyst Mauro Cezar Pereira. “But success will depend on how well he connects with the players and understands the unique demands of Brazilian football.”
Former players like Kaká, who understand both Ancelotti’s methods and Brazil’s football DNA, believe the appointment could usher in a renaissance for the national team.
Real Madrid Eyes Successor
With Ancelotti’s exit now official, Real Madrid is reportedly preparing to hand over the reins to former midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has impressed in his current role as head coach of Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.
Alonso’s tactical maturity and Madrid roots make him a logical successor, though the club has not yet issued a formal confirmation. The Spanish giants are expected to announce their next manager following the end of the league campaign.
Final Words
As Carlo Ancelotti prepares to swap the white of Madrid for the yellow and green of Brazil, support from figures like Kaká will be crucial in rallying fans and stakeholders around this new era.
From Milan to Madrid and now to Rio, the Italian tactician’s journey continues — and Brazil’s football future may just hinge on the wisdom and calm leadership of “Mister Ancelotti.”
