Brazil's national football team has struggled to reclaim its former dominance in the sport since last winning the World Cup in 2002, with Carlo Ancelotti being the latest attempt by the CBF to restore glory.
The Brazilian national football team's quest to regain its lost football supremacy has seen various managerial appointments since their last World Cup victory in 2002, with Carlo Ancelotti representing the CBF's tenth attempt. With a variety of coaches ranging from seasoned veterans to novices, Brazil's hopes have remained unfulfilled despite numerous efforts. Ancelotti becomes the fourth foreign coach to helm the team since Luiz Felipe Scolari's 2002 triumph, following a pattern of brief tenures for previous foreign managers, signaling the challenges of maintaining consistency at the top level.
Historically, the Brazilian team has had numerous coaches, including Tite, who led the team in two consecutive World Cups in 2018 and 2022, a feat only previously matched by Telê Santana in the 1980s. The revolving door of leadership reflects not only the pressures of performance but also the difficulties in unearthing a suitable strategic direction for the team. This uncertain guidance contributes to a diminishing sense of identity and effectiveness on the pitch, which ultimately hampers Brazil's football legacy.
As Brazil approaches the 2026 World Cup, it faces a daunting 24-year gap without reaching the pinnacle of international football. The CBF's investments in coaching signify a commitment to change in hopes of revitalizing the team's fortunes. However, the continuous shifts in management highlight a deeper issue within Brazilian football—an identity crisis that, if left unresolved, may further entrench Brazil's position outside the elite tier of global football.
