Brazil national team manager Carlo Ancelotti has expressed strong admiration for the performances of Brazilian football clubs and players at the recently concluded FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States.
Since taking charge of the Seleção in May following his tenure at Real Madrid, Ancelotti has closely followed developments in South American football, and the latest tournament provided him with a closer look at the talent pool.
He was particularly impressed by Fluminense’s journey to the semifinals, emphasizing their determination and resilience throughout the competition.
Botafogo also earned recognition for their stunning upset over European giants Paris Saint-Germain, a victory that caught global attention.
Ancelotti noted that both Palmeiras and Flamengo further reinforced the strength of Brazilian football, proving they could compete with the best clubs from Europe on an international level.
His remarks, published on the Brazilian Football Confederation’s website, suggested renewed belief in the competitiveness of South American football.
The 66-year-old Italian coach also highlighted individual Brazilian players who left a mark on the tournament. Among them were Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos, currently with Chelsea, who displayed impressive skill and composure.
Real Madrid’s Eder Militao received positive remarks for his solid comeback from injury, and Ancelotti indicated that the defender would play a vital role for the national team going forward.
He also praised Estevao, the teenage sensation from Palmeiras who is set to join Chelsea, pointing to his outstanding form during the tournament as a sign of his promising future.
Ancelotti attended the final match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 in a commanding performance. He considered Chelsea worthy champions of the newly expanded Club World Cup format, appreciating their consistency and tactical discipline throughout the event.
He also highlighted the presence of promising young players in Chelsea’s lineup, including Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro, as evidence of global football’s bright future.
Overall, Ancelotti’s evaluation of the tournament underlined his confidence in the resurgence of Brazilian football on the world stage. His observations served as both an endorsement of Brazil’s current footballing strength and a hopeful forecast for its role in upcoming international competitions.