Not Vinicius: Ahead of World Cup qualifiers debut, Ancelotti names the best Brazilian player he coached

Carlo Ancelotti will make his debut next week as head coach of Brazil in the World Cup qualifiers. But before that, he revealed the best Brazilian player he’s ever coached—and it’s not Vinicius.

After wrapping up the 2024–25 season with Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti was officially announced as the new manager of the Brazil national team. His first challenge will come immediately in the South American World Cup Qualifiers. In that context, he singled out one player in particular—and it wasn’t Vinicius Junior.

In a recent interview with Globo Esporte, Ancelotti was asked about the best Brazilian player he has coached in his 30-year career. “Technically, Ronaldo was spectacular and one of the funniest people in the world,” the Italian coach said without hesitation.

Ancelotti was referring, of course, to Ronaldo Nazario—the center forward born in Rio de Janeiro who starred for Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan, and won the 2002 World Cup. Carlo briefly worked with him at AC Milan between 2007 and 2008, though the forward played just 20 matches and scored 9 goals due to recurring injury problems.

In the same interview, the coach also highlighted other Brazilian players he’s worked with throughout his career. “I can tell you that the most professional is Cafu,” he said, referencing the right-back he also coached at AC Milan. “And the funniest… There are many. (Eder) Militao makes me laugh a lot, Vini too.”

Specifically on Vinicius, whom he knows well from their time together at Real Madrid, Carlo explained: “Vini, for example, to me, is very humble. A very, very humble kid.” That strong relationship between the two will now be key as their paths cross again with the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti reflects on his experience with Brazilian players

Over the course of his three-decade coaching career, Carlo Ancelotti has worked with stars from all over the world, giving him rare perspective when it comes to comparing styles and personalities. “The Brazilian player has a higher technical level than others,” he stated.

Speaking about the typical demeanor of Brazilian players, he added: “They manage themselves quite well and have a fairly calm and humble character.” Based on that, Carlo explained that he’s rarely had issues in the past. “I’ve coached 34 Brazilian players and if I think about whether I’ve had any problems with any of them—maybe one, but I won’t tell you who,” he said.

Ancelotti’s first challenge

Carlo Ancelotti won’t have much time to adjust or fully implement his ideas with the squad. His debut comes Thursday, June 5, on Matchday 15 of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Brazil will face Ecuador—one of their direct rivals in the standings—at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha.

Five days later, they’ll return home to face Paraguay in another crucial match in the race to secure a spot in next year’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For now, Brazil sit in fourth place in the standings with 21 points—the same as Paraguay and Uruguay—and hold a six-point advantage over Venezuela, who are currently in the playoff position.

From: bolavip.com