A Historic Salary for a Colossal Challenge

Carlo Ancelotti is set to make history by becoming the highest-paid international coach in football. According to reports, the 65-year-old will earn $11 million per year as the new manager of the Brazil national team, surpassing all of his counterparts worldwide in earnings.

His contract will officially begin at the end of the season, once he concludes his duties with Real Madrid. The Italian tactician will be tasked with leading Brazil to a strong campaign in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with qualification and redemption as top priorities. Expectations are massive, and so is the weight of the job.

A Bitter Goodbye at the Bernabéu

Although Ancelotti is leaving Real Madrid with widespread respect, his second spell in charge ends on a low note. The recent 4-3 loss to FC Barcelona in El Clásico virtually ended their chances of lifting the LaLiga title this season, leaving the club trophyless as they also fell short in the Copa del Rey and Champions League.

Despite previous glory—winning the Champions League in 2022 and domestic titles—the 2024/25 campaign has been far from successful. The decision to leave now seems like a strategic pivot, both for Ancelotti and for Los Blancos, who are reportedly turning to Xabi Alonso as the new head coach.

Pressure or Opportunity?

Brazil, meanwhile, is not in a comfortable position. The five-time world champions sit fourth in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers, trailing Argentina by 10 points. After the recent dismissal of Dorival Júnior, the federation turned to Ancelotti as a high-profile solution.

But the transition to international football, especially in a country as demanding as Brazil, comes with enormous pressure. This will be Ancelotti’s first time coaching a national team, and with a record salary comes the expectation of immediate results.

Only time will tell if the massive investment in “Carletto” will pay off, or if the weight of expectation will prove too heavy—even for one of the most decorated coaches in the game.