Can Ancelotti conquer his final mountain?

On 26 May, one of the most decorated coaches in football history will step into one of the sport's most scrutinised roles.

Carlo Ancelotti, the calm commander of Real Madrid's modern-era dominance, officially takes the reins of the Brazil national team, a side hungry for redemption and, above all, their first World Cup title since 2002.

Brazil's decision to turn to Ancelotti — the first foreigner to manage the Seleçao in a World Cup — is bold but calculated.

Following the dismissal of Dorival Junior in March, after a humiliating 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Argentina, the pressure has only intensified.

Expectations always weigh heavily on Brazil, but with Argentina the reigning champions and Neymar's golden generation on the wane, this feels like a pivotal era.

Ancelotti's reputation precedes him — not as a tactical revolutionary, but as a master of man-management and emotional intelligence.

His book, Quiet Leadership, is more than just a title — it's a philosophy. Brazil, often volatile in its relationship with managers, may finally have a stabilising figure at the helm. He has managed football's biggest egos and brightest stars at Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG and Bayern Munich.

If there's a man equipped to guide Brazil through turbulence, it's Ancelotti.

Brazilian legend Zico once said: "Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him."

Respect will go a long way in navigating the chaos of Brazilian football politics and the glare of a demanding public.

Beyond temperament, Ancelotti arrives with strong ties to Brazil's emerging nucleus. Vinicius Júnior — once inconsistent, now lethal — has thrived under his guidance.

Rodrygo and Eder Militao have both blossomed at Madrid, while teenage sensation Endrick is already making waves in Spain. Ancelotti's familiarity with this next generation gives Brazil a rare head start in national team building — often plagued by disjointed transitions.

If Neymar, who will be 34 by the time the World Cup arrives, fades from the picture due to injuries, this younger core — guided by a coach they trust — could carry the torch.

For Ancelotti himself, this is more than just another challenge — it's legacy-defining. He's the only manager to have won all five of Europe's top leagues. He's lifted the Champions League five times.

International football, though, remains uncharted territory. Winning a World Cup with Brazil would complete the puzzle — a crowning achievement that has eluded even the greatest club coaches.

Brazil wants to reclaim its crown. Ancelotti wants one final masterpiece. The timing may be perfect.