FC Barcelona Legend Praises Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti
3 minute readPublished: Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 8:24 am

Rivaldo Praises Ancelotti's Move to Brazil: A Clash of Titans in the Making
FC Barcelona legend Rivaldo has surprisingly offered high praise for Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is set to leave the Spanish giants at the end of the season to become the new manager of the Brazilian national team. The former Ballon d'Or winner took to social media to express his admiration for Ancelotti, despite their past relationship and the historical rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Ancelotti's appointment was confirmed by the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues, following reports that Xabi Alonso is poised to take over at Real Madrid. While Rivaldo acknowledged his preference for a Brazilian coach due to national identity and the history of World Cup victories, he conceded that the decision to hire a foreigner was "inevitable" given recent results and pressure.
Rivaldo, who played under Ancelotti at AC Milan in the early 2000s, highlighted Ancelotti's impressive track record, emphasizing his success at various clubs. He believes Ancelotti has the "conditions to do a great job" and can build a strong, balanced team by blending European and Brazilian football styles. Rivaldo concluded by wishing Ancelotti luck in his new role, hoping he can lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup title.
Ancelotti's task will involve navigating the complex dynamics of Brazilian football, including building relationships with players from both Barcelona (like Raphinha) and Real Madrid (such as Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, and Eder Militao).
BNN's Perspective: It's refreshing to see a football icon like Rivaldo put aside club rivalries to acknowledge the quality of a coach like Ancelotti. While some may question the appointment of a foreign coach, Ancelotti's experience and proven track record make him a compelling choice for Brazil. The challenge will be integrating his methods with the unique culture and expectations of Brazilian football.
Keywords: Rivaldo, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Brazil national team, Xabi Alonso, Brazilian Football Confederation, CBF, World Cup, football, soccer, manager, coach, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick, Eder Militao, Raphinha, Ballon d'Or, AC Milan.