Botafogo Set to Appoint Davide Ancelotti as Head Coach

Reigning Brazilian Serie A and Copa Libertadores winners Botafogo have appointed a new head coach. Botafogo have confirmed the appointment of Davide Ancelotti as the Botafogo new head coach, therefore marking the 35-year-old's first managerial experience. The Italian tactician, son of the famous coach Carlo Ancelotti, has signed a contract that expires in December 2026.

Famous transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano confirmed the appointment of Botafogo new head coach and disclosed the news with his signature "Here we go!," therefore proving the legitimacy of the agreement. Romano's confirmation follows preliminary reports from Brazilian media outlet GE Globo that Ancelotti was due to take over the Rio de Janeiro-based club.

Carlo Ancelotti's Son Becomes Botafogo New Head Coach

Moving to Botafogo de Futebol e Regatas constitutes a major deviation from Davide Ancelotti's conventional career trajectory compared to his father, Carlo Ancelotti. First appointed as Brazil's head coach, Ancelotti's father had initially recruited the younger Ancelotti to join the coaching staff of the Brazilian national football team in June 2025.

Davide has decided to start his managerial career instead of following in his father's footsteps, though. Working as his father's assistant across some of Europe's most elite clubs for over a decade, the 35-year-old started as a fitness instructor at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012. His coaching path led him to become an assistant manager for Bayern Munich in 2016.

Following Carlo to Napoli, Everton, and most recently Real Madrid, where he worked as first-team assistant coach. Davide has qualifications beyond his family relationships. With a sports science degree, Davide Ancelotti successfully secured his UEFA A License in 2016, finishing top of his class, before gaining his UEFA Pro License in July 2023. Those who have worked with the Botafogo new head coach characterize an intelligent, strategically astute coach who brings a modern approach to the game while sharing his father's gentle, relaxed management style. Now it will be interesting to see how, Carlo Ancelotti's son, Davide, shines as the Botafogo manager.

Botafogo Search for Stability After Removing Renato Paiva

For Botafogo, who are trying to keep their momentum following a historic 2024 campaign, the appointment is especially well-timed. Under Portuguese boss Artur Jorge, the team accomplished a never-before double by winning their first Copa Libertadores victory and the Brazilian Serie A championship for the first time since 1995.

But Jorge left a great vacuum to fill when he left for Al-Rayyan in Qatar in January 2025. Renato Paiva, his replacement, had a short honeymoon period that featured a remarkable 1-0 triumph over Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the group level of the Club World Cup. Paiva's time, however, was only four months before he was fired after Palmeiras defeated Botafogo 1-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16.

Reports suggest that disagreements with club owner John Textor about team choice and tactical strategies also contributed to the dismissal. Through his Eagle Football Holdings firm, Textor, the American businessman who owns Botafogo also has interests in Crystal Palace, Lyon, and Racing White Daring Molenbeek. Appointing Davide Ancelotti as the Botafogo new head coach shows the club's willingness to find a manager with worldwide experience and the possibility for long-term stability.

Six points behind table leader Flamengo, Botafogo is currently eighth in the Brazilian Serie A. Important Copa Libertadores matches are also on the schedule for the club; they will confront Liga de Quito in the round of 16. This Saturday, when Botafogo travels to face city rivals Vasco da Gama in a vital Rio de Janeiro derby, Davide will have his first charge match.

For both sides, the appointment is a calculated risk: Botafogo is betting on unproven ability; Davide Ancelotti has the burden of proving himself outside his father's well-established framework. As the Brazilian football season is in full flow and significant continental tournaments lie ahead, the young Italian coach will have quick chances to display his strategic ability and leadership skills on one of South America's major stages.