**_MADRID/RIO DE JANEIRO_**: Carlo Ancelotti anticipated departure from Real Madrid has been confirmed by a statement from the Brazilian football confederation that he will shortly become their first-ever foreign coach of the five-times world champions.
The 65-year-old Italian is one of the most successful club managers in football history after winning the Champions League a record five times — twice with AC Milan and three times with Real. He will start his new role on May 26.
Xabi Alonso is expected to replace Ancelotti at the Bernabéu after the 43-year-old announced last week that he will leave Bayer Leverkusen in the summer.
“The CBF is proud to confirm that Carlo Ancelotti will become the next head coach of the Brazilian national football team,” a statement read on Monday.
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“Mr Ancelotti, a legend of the game as the most successful manager in football history, will officially take charge following the conclusion of the 2024-25 La Liga season, ahead of Brazil’s Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign in June.
“The CBF extends its sincere gratitude to Real Madrid and Mr Florentino Pérez \[the club’s president\] for the cordiality and sportsmanship shown in facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term, allowing this new chapter to begin with mutual respect and cooperation between the teams.
“The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership.”
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