RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Botafogo has officially announced the departure of head coach Davide Ancelotti following a series of meetings on Wednesday evening.
The 36-year-old Italian, who took his first solo managerial role in July 2025, leaves the Glorioso after a five-month stint to reunite with his father, Carlo Ancelotti, at the helm of the Brazil National Team.
The move marks a strategic shift for Davide, who guided Botafogo to a sixth-place finish in the 2025 Série
A campaign but struggled to replicate the club’s 2024 trophy-winning success. Despite having a contract until late 2026, Davide reportedly opted to trigger a clause allowing him to depart for the national team setup as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
The World Cup Project & European Interest
Davide’s return to his father’s side is seen as a crucial step for the Seleção as they prepare for the tournament in North America.
- Brazil Prep: Davide will serve as the primary tactical assistant to Carlo, focusing on integrating fresh talents like Estevão and Endrick into the senior system for 2026.
- European Market: Despite the Botafogo exit, Davide’s stock remains high in Europe. Reports suggest that Deportivo La Coruña, Strasbourg, and several Serie A clubs are already monitoring his situation for the post-World Cup 2026 cycle.
- Tactical Focus: His time in Brazil has reportedly “sharpened his adaptability,” a trait highly valued by European owners looking for modern, flexible coaching profiles.
The Ancelotti partnership is now fully focused on ending Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought, with the duo expected to remain in Rio until the conclusion of the tournament.
