Keeping it in the family! Davide Ancelotti ends speculation by following dad Carlo from Real Madrid to Brazil

Despite being targeted for several head coach positions across Europe and beyond, the 35-year-old has opted to remain by his father’s side as the legendary manager begins his historic tenure with the Selecao, as reported by The Athletic. Ancelotti, who departed Real Madrid at the end of the 2024–25 campaign, took charge of Brazil’s national team in late May. He is the first non-Brazilian ever appointed to lead the five-time world champions, taking over from Dorival Junior, who was dismissed earlier in March.

Davide had no shortage of suitors prior to confirming his decision to join Brazil’s coaching staff. Rangers were reportedly keen to appoint him as their next manager. Meanwhile, Spanish outfit Deportivo La Coruna, currently competing in the second tier of Spanish football, were also said to be seriously exploring the younger Ancelotti as an option to lead their revival.

Davide has carved out a unique coaching path alongside his father for over a decade. His first role on a senior coaching staff came at Paris Saint-Germain in 2011, where he worked as a fitness coach during Carlo’s time in the French capital. From there, he followed his father to Real Madrid, continuing in a similar role before earning a promotion to assistant coach at Bayern Munich in 2016. Since then, the Ancelotti duo has worked together at multiple high-profile clubs, including Napoli and Everton, before reuniting at Real Madrid in 2021.

In their first outing under the Ancelotti regime, Brazil were held to a scoreless draw against Ecuador, a result that has led to early murmurs of discontent from fans eager to see more attacking flair. Davide will be crucial to Brazil's preparations, starting with the Paraguay clash next week.

With the 2026 World Cup drawing closer, Brazil find themselves sitting fourth in South America’s qualification table. With six direct qualification spots and a seventh place leading to a playoff, there remains little room for error.