Next Brazil Manager: Five contenders to replace Tite

Brazil remain on the lookout for a new manager following Tite’s departure in the immediate aftermath of the 2022 World Cup.

Tite spent six years in the job, lifted the 2019 Copa America, recorded a 74% win rate, and lost just six of his 81 matches at the helm. However, he was unable to win Brazil that prized sixth World Cup, losing in the quarter-finals in both 2018 and 2022.

A new chapter will soon begin as Brazil hunt for a managerial protagonist tasked with attempting to lead The Selecao to their first golden trophy since 2002.

We’ve looked at five potential candidates for one of the biggest jobs in world football…

Jose Mourinho

If there’s one manager with the confidence and charisma to deliver five-time winners Brazil another World Cup it’s Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho has long been linked with a move to the international managerial arena but won’t be overseeing his country Portugal anytime soon after Roberto Martinez was named as Fernando Santos’ replacement.

Mourinho is currently under contract until 2024 at Roma, whom he memorably propelled to their first major European trophy in his debut season after beating Feyenoord to win the Europa Conference League; meaning he became the first manager to win all of Uefa's top-three major European trophies.

A switch to Brazil has been fuelled somewhat by comments from his former Porto player, Brazilian Carlos Alberto, who has claimed on a podcast with Mundo GV that Mourinho will be the new Brazil boss and has asked him to be his assistant. 

We’ll have to wait and see if there’s any truth to this. From the outside it does appear that Mourinho is loving life in The Eternal City, although a call from Brazil could well turn his head, as it would most managers.

Zinedine Zidane

Although he’d never show it, Zinedine Zidane will be irked at France’s decision to hand Didier Deschamps a brand new long-term contract which takes him through to 2026.

Many expected Deschamps to depart after 10 years in the job, during which he won the 2018 World Cup, with Zidane widely considered the favourite to take over. That’s not proved to be the case, leaving Zidane to mull over his dugout options.

Zidane’s success at delivering Real Madrid to widespread glory in the form of league titles and three straight Champions League triumphs makes him an appealing option to take over a Brazil side brimming with talent.

Carlo Ancelotti

Speaking of Real Madrid, could we see a scenario play out where the club’s current incumbent, Carlo Ancelotti, leaves for Brazil and is replaced by Zidane for a third spell?

It’s difficult to envision Ancelotti, who is contracted to 2024, departing Real Madrid mid-season, especially considering that he’s bidding to lead Los Blancos to further success domestically and in Europe following last season’s league and Champions League double.

Perhaps an agreement could therefore be made for a summer switch. Ancelotti, one of the most successful managers of all time, has already guided the likes of Vinícius Júnior, Casemiro and Rodrygo to glory at club level, now could he go on and replicate the success internationally?

Abel Ferreira

Abel Ferreira may not be as widely known worldwide as the above three superstar managers, yet in South American football he has won a bucket load in a short period of time.

Since taking charge of Brazilian side Palmeiras in 2020, the young Portuguese coach has won not one but two Copa Libertadores, the Recopa Sudamericana, the Brazilian league title and domestic cups.

The 44-year-old also led his side to the FIFA Club World Cup final last year, narrowly losing to Chelsea in extra-time.

Dorival Junior

The above managers each boast bulging trophy cabinets but it’s worth remembering that Brazil haven’t appointed a foreigner for over 50 years.

Should they continue this trend and appoint another Brazilian, who could be in contention?

One name that has attracted attention is Dorival Junior, available for hire and fresh from delivering Brazilian outfit Flamengo to Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil glory during a short but extremely successful six-month spell. 

Now after an incredible 24 spells at club level in the country since 2002, the veteran 60-year-old may well have his sights set on the top job.

Despite the lack of trophies on his CV, Fluminense's popular boss Fernando Diniz plays an attractive brand of football and is another name likely to be on the Brazilian Football Confederation's radar as the search progresses in 2023.