Botafogo signs Ancelotti's son as coach

A few days after starting negotiations to find a new manager, Botafogo agreed to hire Italian Davide Ancelotti, son of multi-champion coach Carlo Ancelotti, as the new coach of the main team.

The parties reportedly reached an agreement on the evening of last Sunday (6), reported the "Globo Esporte" portal, adding that the Italian is expected in Rio de Janeiro in the coming days to begin work later this week.

Davide's name had already been considered even before joining his father at the Canarinho team. Since the 2011/12 season, he has been working as Ancelotti's assistant, with stints at Paris Saint-Germain (2012), Real Madrid (2013 and 2021), Bayern Munich (2016), Napoli (2018), Everton (2019) and the Brazilian national team (2025).

Among the main titles of the period are two Champions Leagues with Real Madrid (2021/22 and 2023/24), two Spanish championships (2021/22 and 2023/24), one in Germany (2016/17) and a World Cup (2022/23).

With the signing, the Italian will take on his first job as head coach, becoming Botafogo's seventh in the John Textor era, and will also be responsible for defining the technical team that will accompany him to Brazil.

So far, however, the club has not officially confirmed the agreement. On vacation with his family in Europe, Davide will replace Renato Paiva, who was fired after a decision made by the businessman who owns the South American champions, who was dissatisfied with the team's performance in the recent Club World Cup.

The expectation is that Botafogo will also discuss the agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), as it believes it is possible for Davide to perform both roles: coach of Fogão and assistant coach of the national team.

In support of its thesis, the Rio de Janeiro club recalls that, until a few days ago, Taffarel was the goalkeeping coach for Liverpool and the national team, while Rodrigo Lasmar is still the doctor for Atlético Mineiro and the national team.

Despite the agility in negotiations, Davide should not be on the bench in the match between Botafogo and Vasco for the Brasileirão, next Saturday (12). On that occasion, Cláudio Caçapa should command the club in the Rio derby. .