Legendary ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, 66, throws himself into carnival spirit as Brazil boss enjoys festival with World Cup winners Ronaldo and Denilson as well as his wife

Carlo Ancelotti has been in charge of Brazil for less than a year, but the Italian is immersing himself into their culture in more ways than one.

The 66-year-old, who is Brazil’s first ever foreign coach, will be tasked with trying to lead the Selecao to a record-extending sixth World Cup this summer in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Brazil continue their preparations for that tournament next month when they face France in a mouth-watering friendly on March 26 before taking on Croatia on April 1.

But before those two fixtures, Ancelotti was pictured enjoying some downtime at another Brazilian staple: Rio Carnival.

Ancelotti’s managerial style has endeared him to many wherever he has been and that appears to be the case once more during his appearance at Rio Carnival.

He appeared in good spirits as he took in the event alongside Brazil legend Ronaldo and the latter’s 2002 World Cup-winning team-mate Denilson.

Ancelotti will be hoping to emulate Ronaldo and Denilson by winning a World Cup with Brazil

The 66-year-old did attend Rio Carnival with his wife of 12 years Mariann Barrena McClay

The Brazil head coach was enjoying some downtime at Rio Carnival ahead of the World Cup

The trio can be seen laughing and enjoying themselves in a VIP section with Brazilian television presenter Sabrina Sato.

As well as some famous locals, the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager was later seen taking in Rio Carnival with his wife Mariann Barrena McClay.

The Canadian met Ancelotti during his spell at Chelsea (2009-2011) and have been married since 2014.

He was also photographed sat down and in a discussion with three males at one point.

His appearance at Rio Carnival did go viral too after an AI image created saw share a fake four-way kiss with three women.

Ancelotti officially began work as Brazil head coach on May 26, 2025 and his current contract expires at the end of the World Cup.

However, according to The Athletic, he is set to sign a new four-year deal with Brazilian Football Confederation – taking him through to the 2030 World Cup which will be primarily held in Morocco, Portugal and Spain.

Brazil, who are in Group C, begin their World Cup campaign on June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey before taking on Haiti in Philadelphia, six days later. They then face Scotland in Miami in their group-stage encounter on June 24.