Carlo Ancelotti names Man United flop Antony in his first Brazil squad – as the £85m winger earns recall after stunning loan spell at Real Betis

Carlo Ancelotti has made a shock selection in his first Brazil squad by recalling Manchester United flop Antony.

He has opted to pick the £85m winger following his impressive form for Real Betis since he joined the LaLiga side on loan from United in January. 

The winger, who has not played for his country since March 2023, has scored nine goals for Betis, adding a further five assists to his tally. 

That has helped them finish in sixth place in LaLiga while the Verdiblancos have also reached the Conference League final, which will see them play Chelsea on Wednesday.

Ancelotti, 65, takes over the Brazil national team after leaving Real Madrid following the end of the 2024-25 season. 

His first matches in charge of the Selecao will see them face Ecuador on June 6 before they play Paraguay on June 11. 

The winger has been recalled after rediscovering his best form on loan at Real Betis

Ancelotti has taken charge of Brazil ahead of next year’s World Cup

Ancelotti will become the first non-Brazilian manager of the national team in its history as he begins his first job in international management. 

He won the Champions League, Copa del Rey and LaLiga on two occasions in his second stint at Real and officially started his role as Brazil manager on Monday.

However, his final season at Real was a disappointment, with Madrid failing to win a trophy despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. 

The club said in a statement: ‘Real Madrid CF and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to end his tenure as Real Madrid manager. 

‘Our club wishes to express its gratitude and affection to one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and world football.

‘Carlo Ancelotti led our team through one of the most successful periods in our 123-year history and has become the coach with the most titles in our history: three European Cups, three Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, and two Spanish Super Cups. A total of 15 titles during his six seasons at our club.’

Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez added: ‘Carlo Ancelotti is now forever part of the great Real Madrid family. 

‘We are proud to have enjoyed a coach who has helped us achieve so much success and who has also represented the values ​​of our club in an exemplary manner.

Ancelotti will become the first non-Brazilian manager of the national team in its history

Real Madrid wishes him and his entire family the best of luck in this new stage of his life.’

In his own personal letter to Real fans, Ancelotti wrote: ‘Today we go separate ways again. Today again I take in my heart every moment I’ve lived in this wonderful second stage as Real Madrid coach.

‘It’s been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, titles and, above all, pride of representing this shield.

‘Thanks to the president Florentino Perez, to the club, to my players, to my staff and, above all, to this unique fan that has always made me feel like one of them.

‘What we have achieved together will remain forever in the memory of Madridisimo… not only for the triumphs, but for the way we achieved them. The magic nights of the Bernabéu are already football history.

‘Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal. See you soon Madridistas! Hala Madrid Y Nada Más!’