Davide Ancelotti Set for First Managerial Job with Botafogo After Leaving Real Madrid

Davide Ancelotti, son of legendary coach Carlo Ancelotti, is finally stepping out of his father’s shadow and into his own managerial career — and he’s starting in Brazil. The 35-year-old Italian is set to become the new head coach of Botafogo, marking his first full-time role as a manager after years of serving as an assistant across Europe.

After wrapping up his latest spell as assistant coach at Real Madrid under his father at the end of the 2024–25 season, Davide is now ready to take the reins himself. While he recently joined the Brazilian national team setup alongside Carlo, reports from Marca suggest he’s agreed to take charge of the reigning Brazilian champions, Botafogo. 

Botafogo, who enjoyed an incredible 2024 under Artur Jorge — lifting both the Brazilian league title and their first-ever Copa Libertadores crown — are in need of new direction after a rocky start to 2025. Artur Jorge left in January and was replaced by Renato Paiva, but Paiva’s stint was short-lived. He was shown the door after an early exit in the Club World Cup at the hands of Palmeiras. Now, the club believes Davide Ancelotti is the man to guide them through the next chapter. 

Though this will be Davide’s first time in the hot seat, he’s not new to coaching. He began his journey at Paris Saint-Germain in 2011 as a fitness coach and has since followed his father to Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton, gradually gaining experience and building a reputation of his own. In 2016, he earned his UEFA A coaching license, which further prepared him for a future in management. 

Over the last couple of years, Davide has been linked with several jobs. He was reportedly close to taking over at Rangers before they opted for Russell Martin instead. There were also conversations with clubs like Reims, Parma, Como, and even a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia. But now it looks like Brazil will be the stage for his long-awaited solo debut. 

With Botafogo currently sitting eighth in the Brazilian Serie A, six points behind league leaders Flamengo, the task ahead is far from easy. However, with the Copa Libertadores knockout stages around the corner — where they’ll face Ecuadorian side LDU Quito in the last 16 — Davide will have the chance to make an immediate impact on the continental stage.