To some, he is affectionately known as Don Carlo; others have long preferred to refer to him as King Carlo, or more recently Carletto. The former AC Milan, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain, Napoli and Real Madrid boss has just extended his stay with the Seleção beyond the 2030 World Cup.
It’s not just that Don Carlo’s CV reads: the only manager to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues — Serie A (AC Milan), Premier League (Chelsea), Ligue 1 (Paris Saint-Germain), Bundesliga (Bayern Munich), and La Liga (Real Madrid) — or the only manager in football history to win five UEFA Champions League titles (with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007; and Real Madrid in 2014, 2022, and 2024).
Even though that CV fits Don Carlo to be the Seleção coach like stilettos on a pole dancer’s feet — no, forget that — that is not the main reason Brazil stand a better chance of lifting the Jules Rimet trophy at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The main thing though is that his reputation means he commands respect and is more than qualified to manage the egos of Brazilian superstars like Neymar and Vinicius.
Carlo Ancelotti talks to Vinicius Junior during Real Madrid’s match against Valencia on Sunday.
It also means he will be able to keep them grounded and make them work as a team, and even influence the likes of Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Barcelona’s Raphinha to put aside club rivalries and put the Seleção first.
In goal, Ancelotti has the tried-and-tested Alisson and Ederson, both former Champions League winners. Veterans like Casemiro provide vital midfield stability, while the return of all-time record goalscorer Neymar adds a layer of unmatched experience and playmaking that should free up Vinicius to blitz and dribble forward with freedom.
If you consider that 2026 has so far, to a certain extent, been a year to end long title droughts — think Arsenal, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns — then the Seleção are well set to end their 24-year World Cup silverware drought.
Tip Vini, who has played his best football under Don Carlo, for both a Golden Boot and a Golden Shoe while you’re at it.
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