Lula Criticizes Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil Coaching Appointment: “Has Never Been…”
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has publicly questioned the appointment of Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti as the head coach of Brazil’s national football team. Ancelotti, who recently became the first foreign manager of the Selecao since 1965, faces skepticism from Lula who emphasized the availability of qualified Brazilian coaches for the prestigious role.
Background: Ancelotti’s Historic Appointment
On May 12, 2025, Carlo Ancelotti officially took charge of Brazil’s national team, aiming to guide the squad toward success in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This appointment ended decades of Brazilian coaches leading the national side. Learn more about the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lula’s Concerns Over Foreign Leadership
Speaking from China during a diplomatic visit, President Lula stated, “Honestly, I have nothing against him being a foreigner… What I think is that we have coaches in Brazil capable of leading the Selecao.” Lula expressed his belief that Brazilian football can rely on homegrown talent to manage the national team rather than looking abroad.
He further pointed out Ancelotti’s lack of experience as a national team coach by recalling, “He has never been Italy’s national coach… Why does he not resolve the problems of Italy, which did not even qualify for the 2022 World Cup?” Read more on Italy’s 2022 World Cup qualification here.
Ancelotti’s Challenge: Qualifying and Winning the World Cup
Despite the criticism, Lula acknowledged Ancelotti’s expertise, calling him a “great technician” and expressing hope that he can help Brazil qualify for the World Cup and possibly win it. Currently, Brazil sits fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with 21 points from 14 matches, trailing Ecuador, Uruguay, and world champions Argentina. See the CONMEBOL qualifiers standings.
Brazil’s Road to the 2026 World Cup
The top six teams in South America will qualify for the World Cup. Brazil’s path to qualification remains competitive and challenging, making the coaching position critical ahead of next year’s tournament.
Related:
- 2025 World Cup Qualifiers: Latest Updates
- History of Brazil’s National Team Coaches
- Carlo Ancelotti: Coaching Career Highlights
What This Means for Brazilian Football
Lula’s comments highlight a broader debate within Brazilian football: whether to prioritize local expertise or embrace international coaching talent. As the Selecao prepares for a critical phase in qualification, all eyes will be on Ancelotti’s ability to unite the team and deliver results.
For fans and analysts, the next few months will be crucial in judging the impact of this historic coaching appointment.
Conclusion
Carlo Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil’s head coach has sparked mixed reactions, with President Lula’s public skepticism underscoring the complexities of leading one of football’s most storied teams. As Brazil vies for a spot in the 2026 World Cup, the spotlight is on both the coach and the team to perform at their best.
Stay tuned for more updates on Brazil’s road to the World Cup and the ongoing story of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure.
