On July 6, 2025, Botafogo officially announced the hiring of Davide Ancelotti, 35, as the club’s new head coach, marking his debut as a head coach. The son of Carlo Ancelotti, current Brazil national team manager, Davide is expected to arrive in Rio de Janeiro in the coming days to lead the reigning Brasileirão and Libertadores champions. The decision, led by John Textor, the owner of Botafogo’s SAF, follows the dismissal of Renato Paiva, prompted by the team’s elimination in the Club World Cup. The Italian, previously an assistant for the Brazilian national team, brings experience from clubs like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but faces the challenge of implementing an attacking style in a squad undergoing transition. The choice has sparked debate among fans, split between the boldness of the move and Davide’s lack of head coaching experience.
Davide Ancelotti takes over Botafogo at a critical moment. After major achievements in 2024, the club faces instability in 2025, with criticism over tactical performance and key player departures. The board aims to solidify the so-called “Botafogo Way,” a concept prioritizing dynamic and vertical football.
Negotiations with Davide involved consultations with the CBF, where he holds no permanent contract, facilitating his release. The coach, who was on vacation in Europe, quickly accepted the challenge, signaling enthusiasm for the project.
- Davide’s main goals at Botafogo:
- Implement an attacking and vertical playing style.
- Adapt European tactics to the Brazilian squad.
- Regain fan confidence after inconsistent results.
- Prepare the team for the clásico against Vasco on July 12.
Davide’s tactical philosophy
Davide Ancelotti brings to Botafogo an approach shaped by his time alongside Carlo Ancelotti, but with his own touches. In a 2025 interview with Spanish newspaper Marca, he outlined his vision, emphasizing verticality and intensity as core principles. The Italian cites Luis Enrique’s PSG as an inspiration, focusing on high pressing and quick transitions.
At Real Madrid, Davide contributed to tactical systems alternating between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, adapting to opponents. At Botafogo, he plans to leverage players like Luiz Henrique and Eduardo, key pieces for dynamic football. His experience includes decisive tactical inputs, such as suggesting Joselu’s substitution in the 2024 Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich.
Despite his background, his lack of head coaching experience raises questions. Fans fear that adapting to Brazilian football, known for its intensity and pressure for results, could be a hurdle.
Fan reactions
Davide’s hiring has divided Botafogo’s fanbase. On social media, opinions range from excitement to skepticism. Some praise the bet on a young name with elite club experience, comparing him to cases like Filipe Luís, who excelled as a rookie coach at Flamengo. Others, however, see his inexperience as a risk for a club seeking stability.
One fan noted: “Textor thinks outside the box. Davide worked with the best, it could work.” Another criticized: “No head coaching experience, it’s risky for Botafogo.” The board hopes Davide’s arrival boosts engagement, especially for the clássico against Vasco, in the 13th round of the Brasileirão.
Context of the change
Renato Paiva’s dismissal, announced after a 1-0 loss to Palmeiras in the Club World Cup, exposed Botafogo’s tactical vulnerabilities. Despite the 2024 Brasileirão and Libertadores titles, 2025 performance was inconsistent, with early eliminations and criticism of the playing style. John Textor, dissatisfied, opted for a coach aligned with his vision of attacking football.
Davide will be the seventh coach in Botafogo’s SAF era, which began in 2021. The turnover is high, with an average of one coach every six months. Luís Castro, with just over a year in the role, is the only one to exceed this mark. The instability concerns some fans, who demand continuity.
- Factors leading to the coaching change:
- Elimination in the Club World Cup.
- Subpar tactical performance in 2025.
- Pressure for immediate results.
- Alignment with John Textor’s philosophy.
Technical staff and signings
Davide Ancelotti is already working on assembling his technical staff. He plans to bring specialists in defensive plays, attacking moves, and set pieces, including names who worked with him at the Brazilian national team. The setup reflects his intent to implement a modern, detail-oriented playing model.
Botafogo’s squad, though talented, faces challenges. Igor Jesus’s departure to Nottingham Forest weakened the attack, and Marlon Freitas is linked to Besiktas. The board plans reinforcements in the July transfer window, targeting a defender and a striker. Luiz Henrique and Eduardo remain core players.
International experience
Davide Ancelotti’s career is marked by stints at top-tier clubs. He started as a fitness coach at PSG in 2012 and, from 2016, served as an assistant coach at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid. His brief role with the Brazilian national team included a 1-0 win over Paraguay, securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
With a UEFA PRO license obtained in 2023, Davide is qualified to manage teams anywhere. His experience in high-pressure environments is an asset, but transitioning to head coach will be a test.
Brasileirão challenges
Botafogo sits eighth in the 2025 Brasileirão, with 18 points in 11 matches. The club is also in the Libertadores round of 16 against LDU and the Copa do Brasil against Bragantino. The season is seen as pivotal to cementing the club’s prominence nationally and internationally.
Davide will have little time to implement his ideas before the clásico against Vasco on July 12. Cláudio Caçapa, assistant coach, is likely to manage the team in that match, giving the Italian a few days to assess the squad and refine strategies.
Carlo Ancelotti’s influence
Although Carlo Ancelotti was not directly involved in the negotiations, his role as Brazil’s national team coach heightens interest in European methods in Brazilian football. Davide, who worked with his father for over a decade, carries influences from his squad management and tactical flexibility. The family connection drew attention from European outlets, like Spain’s As, which covered Botafogo’s move.
Future expectations
Davide Ancelotti’s arrival represents a bold bet by Botafogo. The board trusts that his elite club experience and innovative tactical vision can elevate the team’s level. The fanbase, though divided, awaits the first matches to gauge the new coach’s impact.
The club plans to leverage the hiring to boost engagement, with marketing campaigns focused on the Vasco clásico. The expectation is that Davide can adapt his style to Brazilian football and keep Botafogo competitive across multiple fronts.