FC Barcelona legend and former Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo used social media to praise Real Madrid ... More head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is now confirmed to leave the club at the end of the season and take over as Brazil national team boss. NurPhoto via Getty Images FC Barcelona legend and former Ballon d'Or winner Rivaldo used social media to praise Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is now confirmed to leave the club at the end of the season and take over as Brazil national team boss. Madrid hasn’t made any announcement on either development, but reports from the likes of Fabrizio Romano and El Chiringuito on Xabi Alonso becoming Los Blancos’ manager were made on Monday just a few hours before the president of the Brazilian soccer federation the CBF - Ednaldo Rodrigues - confirmed Ancelotti will be appointed the tactical leader of the five-time World Cup winners known as the Selecao. Though Ancelotti didn’t choose Rivaldo often during their time at AC Milan together in the early 2000s, the ex-forward has also been publicly respectful of the Champions Leagues’ most successful coach while stressing there is no bad blood among them. Via Instagram, one of the protagonists of Brazil’s last World Cup win in 2002 praised the overall idea of the soon-to-be-former Madrid don taking over his country’s reins despite his preference for a compatriot to do so as a "matter of identity". "At the end of the day, our five world titles were won with national coaches, and to this day no foreign coach has won a (World) Cup with another country," Rivaldo pointed out. MORE FOR YOU WWE Raw Results, Winners And Grades On May 12, 2025 ‘NYT Mini’ Crossword Clues And Answers For Tuesday, May 13 Dallas Mavericks Win 2025 NBA Draft Lottery That being said, Brazil opting for a foreigner was “inevitable” because of "recent results and pressure from the press and fans". "At least they chose one of the best: [Ancelotti], a successful coach under whose orders I had the privilege of being. He has won in all the clubs he has played for and, although there is little time left until the World Cup, he has the conditions to do a great job," Rivaldo predicted. "Ancelotti can form a strong and balanced team, uniting the best of European and Brazilian football. With support and time to observe the national scenario, he can lead Brazil to the long-dreamed sixth championship. I wish him luck in this great challenge," the former number 11 signed off. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid harmony must be struck by Ancelotti Of course when working for Brazil, Ancelotti will have to form a strong relationship with his former FC Barcelona rival Raphinha. Simultaneously, it goes without saying that Madrid stars such as Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick and Eder Militao have strong chances of featuring in his primary plans. Editorial StandardsForbes Accolades