Following Dorival Junior’s departure from the Brazil national team, speculation has risen about who will take over to prepare the squad for what is expected to be Neymar’s final World Cup. With several months before the next matchups, Brazil is reportedly narrowing its search down to two candidates ahead of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
After the 4-1 loss to Argentina during the March international break, the CBF made the decision to part ways with Dorival Junior. Despite Neymar being unavailable due to injuries, the coach was unable to maximize the potential of the other star players, which ultimately led to his dismissal.
As reported by The Athletic, Brazil’s top choices for the role are Carlo Ancelotti and Jorge Jesus. While other names like Filipe Luis and Abel Ferreira have emerged, the CBF’s priority is to appoint an experienced coach, and both Ancelotti and Jesus fit the bill.
The deadline to appoint a replacement is before the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The main reason for this urgency is that Brazil will face crucial CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay just days before the tournament. The CBF wants a coach in place to guide the team through those key fixtures to ensure World Cup qualification.
Jorge Jesus, a step ahead of Ancelotti
Ancelotti has long been a favorite of the CBF, even before Tite’s departure in 2022. He remains the primary choice, with Jorge Jesus seen as a strong candidate, though slightly behind the Italian in priority, according to The Athletic.
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However, in recent weeks, Ancelotti addressed rumors about taking the Brazil job, clarifying whether he had been approached: “No, simply no. The contract is clear, and I have nothing to add to this. I have great affection for the Brazil national team, its players, and the fans, but I have a contract with Real Madrid,” he said in a press conference. His contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026.
Another important consideration is that both Real Madrid and Al Hilal are qualified for the revamped Club World Cup to be held in the USA. Leaving their respective teams would be a risky move—especially for Ancelotti, given his ongoing contract—while Jorge Jesus, who is on a short-term deal with Al Hilal, may be more open to a transition.
As The Athletic reports, sources close to Jorge Jesus have suggested that the Portuguese manager is open to taking the Brazil job now. His current contract with Al Hilal expires at the end of the Club World Cup, making him a more likely candidate than Ancelotti to become Brazil’s next head coach, unless something unexpected arises.
