When Carlo Ancelotti's private jet descended towards Rio de Janeiro last summer, the pilot made a symbolic gesture, banking the aircraft to offer the new manager a view of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue. Diego Fernandes, the entrepreneur who orchestrated the deal, declared the sight a divine blessing for Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup title. Yet, as the recent draw in Washington DC revealed, the path to glory would be anything but straightforward.
A Heavenly Appointment Meets a Hellish Draw
The divine favour seemed to have its limits on the eastern seaboard of the United States. Brazil were handed a challenging group featuring Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti. Should they progress, a treacherous knockout phase likely awaits: a last-32 tie against the Netherlands or Japan, followed by a potential last-16 clash with Norway, and a quarter-final showdown with England. The geography added another layer of difficulty, with group games scheduled for the sweltering, non-air-conditioned venues of New York, Philadelphia, and Miami.
This East Coast route is familiar yet painful for Ancelotti. It was the same path his Italian side took as runners-up at USA '94, where he served as assistant manager. Their journey ended in a final defeat to Brazil in Pasadena. Thirty-two years later, Ancelotti has been hired at great expense to write the sequel for the Selecao, aiming to go one step further and deliver the coveted sixth star.
The Secret Deal: From Doubters to Believers
The appointment of a foreign coach for the first time in a century was not universally welcomed. Fernandes conceived the idea after watching a dismal Brazil draw with Venezuela in November 2023. He saw a team lacking control and identity, where stars like Vinicius Jr failed to replicate their club form.
Undeterred by traditionalist sentiment, Fernandes embarked on a secret mission. His first move was contacting Davide Ancelotti, Carlo's son and assistant. The masterstroke, however, was enlisting Brazilian legend Zico as part of a charm offensive. Zico's endorsement was crucial in protecting Ancelotti from sceptics and building public trust.
The courtship faced stiff competition, including a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, reportedly facilitated by a former player of Ancelotti's. To counter this, Fernandes commissioned an emotional video. It showcased soccer as a religion in Brazil, from children playing in favelas to the nation's heartbreak in historic defeats like the 1998 final and the 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014. The film ended with a direct plea from those children: "Carlo Ancelotti, we're waiting for you."
Pesto, Passion, and a Sealed Deal
The turning point came during a meeting at Ancelotti's Madrid home in spring 2024. Over the manager's signature pesto pasta, Fernandes played the video. Watching Ancelotti explain Brazilian soccer history to his wife, Mariann, Fernandes knew he had his man. Zico's influence was also personal; Ancelotti recalled marking him as a young Roma player, only for the genius to score a late winner.
Finalising the contract was fraught with drama. A major internet blackout across Portugal and Spain on the signing day caused chaos, with lawyers stranded in Madrid and Ancelotti and Fernandes in London. Phones rang incessantly as the deal hung in the balance. Finally, on May 12, 2024, the Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed Ancelotti's appointment until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
Their arrival in Rio two weeks later was a national event, tracked on FlightRadar and met by crowds at the airport. The disbelief had turned into a celebration of hope. Under Ancelotti, the Selecao has been revitalised, playing with renewed control and purpose. If he can navigate the brutal draw and achieve that sixth star, it will be Carlo, not Cristo, whom Brazilians will be worshipping.
