Brazil step up Ancelotti pursuit after Real Madrid’s UCL exit | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti headed into Real Madrid’s second leg against Arsenal with a heavy target on his back: fail to overturn the deficit, and questions would come flooding in.

That’s exactly what happened. Los Blancos were knocked out of the Champions League with a humbling 5-1 aggregate defeat in the quarterfinals, and scrutiny over Ancelotti’s future is now intensifying.

Among many of his suitors, Brazil have emerged as the best-placed to hire the Italian, even though the coach has shown no desire to leave Real Madrid ahead of his contract expiry.

Brazil intensifies pursuit of Ancelotti

However, following Real Madrid’s loss to Arsenal and their subsequent from the Champions League, Brazil appears to have intensified their pursuit of Ancelotti, reports Cadena SER.

The Brazilian Football Confederation has long admired Ancelotti, and with no permanent manager in place, they see this moment of vulnerability as a window of opportunity.

The end of the road for Ancelotti at Real Madrid? (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

In fact, a close associate of Neymar, businessman Diego Fernandes, was seen in the VIP box at the Santiago Bernabéu during the second leg.

While he doesn’t officially speak for the CBF, his presence has raised speculation in Brazil that an approach is being coordinated behind the scenes.

Despite holding a contract until 2026, Ancelotti has left his future open-ended. Speaking after the Arsenal defeat, he said: “Let’s see what happens next year. I don’t know and I don’t want to know.”

That lack of clarity has only encouraged Brazil, who are reportedly pushing for a decision before June—well ahead of the Club World Cup.

The Selecao are banking on Ancelotti to lead the side in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.