Zico Backs Ancelotti to Restore Brazil’s Football Dominance
By Hotspotorlando
Kashima, Japan (AFP) – Brazilian football legend Zico has thrown his weight behind Carlo Ancelotti, touting the Italian manager as the ideal candidate to revive Brazil’s national team and return it to its former glory. Speaking to AFP, Zico praised Ancelotti’s proven track record of unlocking the potential of Brazilian stars, citing his transformative work with players like Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo at Real Madrid.
“Ancelotti knows how to get the best out of Brazilian players,” Zico said. “His experience, calmness, and ability to manage big talents make him the perfect man to take Brazil back to the top.”
A Glorious Past, a Challenging Present
Brazil, the five-time World Cup champions, have not lifted the coveted trophy since 2002, with their last major international triumph coming in the 2019 Copa América. The Seleção’s recent performances have been underwhelming, marked by a shock quarterfinal exit to Croatia in the 2022 World Cup and inconsistent results in World Cup qualifiers. Fans and pundits alike have grown frustrated with the team’s lack of cohesion and inability to replicate the flair and dominance of past eras.
Zico, a 1978 World Cup veteran and one of Brazil’s greatest-ever players, believes Ancelotti’s tactical nous and man-management skills could address these shortcomings. “Brazil has incredible talent, but it needs a leader who can bring it all together,” he said. “Ancelotti has done it at the highest level in Europe, and he understands the Brazilian mentality.”
Ancelotti’s Brazilian Success
Ancelotti’s credentials are hard to dispute. At Real Madrid, he has overseen the rise of Vinicius Jr. from a raw prospect to a Ballon d’Or contender, while Rodrygo has become a versatile and clutch performer under his guidance. In the past, Ancelotti also coached Brazilian icons like Kaká, Ronaldo, and Roberto Carlos, earning a reputation for fostering environments where South American flair can thrive alongside European discipline.His achievements include five UEFA Champions League titles and domestic league crowns in Italy, England, Spain, Germany, and France. This global experience, Zico argues, equips Ancelotti to handle the immense pressure of managing Brazil, where expectations are sky-high.
Challenges and Complications
Despite Zico’s endorsement, Ancelotti’s path to the Brazil job is far from straightforward. The 65-year-old is under contract with Real Madrid, where he continues to enjoy success, including a 2024 Champions League triumph. Ancelotti has previously downplayed speculation about taking the Brazil job, expressing loyalty to his club while not entirely ruling out a future move.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has entrusted Dorival Junior with the national team since January 2024. Dorival, who led Flamengo to the 2022 Copa Libertadores, has shown promise but faces scrutiny over Brazil’s inconsistent performances in World Cup qualifiers. A poor run of results could reignite calls for a high-profile foreign coach like Ancelotti, who was heavily linked with the role in 2023 before Dorival’s appointment.
A Dream Worth Pursuing?
Zico’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among Brazilian fans who yearn for a return to the days of “jogo bonito” and global dominance. Ancelotti’s pragmatic yet attacking style, combined with his ability to adapt to different football cultures, could indeed be the catalyst Brazil needs. However, the CBF’s reluctance to appoint a foreign coach—Brazil has never had one—remains a significant hurdle.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on Real Madrid, and Dorival Junior holds the reins of the Seleção. But Zico’s words carry weight, and his vision of Ancelotti leading Brazil to a sixth World Cup in 2026 will undoubtedly spark debate among fans and decision-makers alike.
As Zico put it, “Brazil needs a spark, and Ancelotti is the man to light it.” Whether that spark ignites remains to be seen.
Based on recent reports, Carlo Ancelotti, newly appointed as Brazil’s head coach, announced his first squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador (June 5, 2025) and Paraguay (June 10, 2025). The 25-man squad includes the following players:
Goalkeepers:
– Alisson (Liverpool)
– Bento (Al Nassr)
– Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders:
– Alexsandro (Flamengo)
– Alexsandro Ribeiro (Lille)
– Beraldo (PSG)
– Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan)
– Danilo (Flamengo)
– Léo Ortiz (Flamengo)
– Marquinhos (PSG)
– Vanderson (Monaco)
– Wesley (Flamengo)
Midfielders:
– Andreas Pereira (Fulham)
– Andrey Santos (Strasbourg)
– Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle)
– Casemiro (Manchester United)
– Éderson (Atalanta)
– Gerson (Flamengo)
Forwards:
– Antony (Manchester United, on loan at Real Betis)
– Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
– Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
– Raphinha (Barcelona)
– Richarlison (Tottenham)
– Vinicius Jr. (Real Madrid)
Notable Exclusions:
– Neymar was left out due to his recent recovery from a muscular injury at Santos, though Ancelotti emphasized his importance for future selections.
– Injured players like Eder Militao and Bremer (both with ACL tears) were not included.
This squad reflects Ancelotti’s focus on players in good form, blending experienced names like Casemiro and Richarlison, who return after absences since October 2023, with emerging talents.[]
source:
(https://football-italia.net/ancelotti-picks-first-brazil-national-squad/)[](https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c5y5jnq4v13o)[](https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/45333349/neymar-left-carlo-ancelotti-first-brazil-squad)
*Note: Squads can change due to injuries or form, so check official CBF announcements for the latest updates.*