Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to rival Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazil national team job after being put on a four-man CBF shortlist.
- CBF has put together a four-man list
- Mourinho & Ancelotti included
- Dorival Junior sacked after Argentina thrashing
The Brazilian football federation (CBF) parted ways with Dorival Junior following Brazil’s recent international woes, culminating in a heavy 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina. Now, according to Brazilian outlet Globo, Mourinho is one of four high-profile names being considered by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to lead the Seleção in their push to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Alongside Mourinho are Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti, former Flamengo and current Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus, and Palmeiras coach Abel Ferreira. The quartet represents a blend of experienced European minds and successful figures from the South American club circuit.
Ancelotti has long been admired by the Brazilian federation, and although he has flirted with the idea of managing Brazil, the Italian has publicly stated that his current role at Real Madrid will be his final managerial post. While the CBF has not completely given up hope, Jesus is currently viewed as the most probable candidate due to his experience in Brazilian football and more immediate availability.
DID YOU KNOW?
Mourinho’s stint at Fenerbahce has been anything but serene. Since arriving in Istanbul ten months ago, the former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Roma boss has courted controversy with his frequent criticism of match officials, several touchline bans, and explosive post-match comments.
His team’s form has taken a hit in recent weeks, with Fenerbahce suffering a Europa League elimination at the hands of Rangers and crashing out of the Turkish Cup following a heated defeat to arch-rivals Galatasaray. These setbacks have ramped up pressure on Mourinho, whose side now sits second in the Turkish Super League table, trailing Galatasaray by three points.
WHAT NEXT FOR MOURINHO?
While Brazil offers a historic and high-pressure opportunity, it remains to be seen whether Mourinho would be willing to walk away from his Fenerbahce project so soon. The upcoming clash with Sivasspor on Sunday is another crucial game in the club’s quest for Super Lig glory, and if the Portuguese indeed manages to topple Galatasaray from the perch, he might continue with his Istanbul sojourn.
