Davide Ancelotti has officially been dismissed from his role as head coach of Botafogo, Softfootball reports. His tenure lasted just five months and, while he introduced modern coaching methods, it did not result in historic achievements, as the club had already qualified for the Copa Libertadores before his appointment and were eliminated in the Round of 16 under his management.
Ancelotti Jr., who had previously worked alongside his father Carlo Ancelotti in Europe, took a bold step into senior management with Botafogo. His impact was immediate, as the club exceeded expectations domestically and secured continental qualification, a major milestone that has elevated his reputation in South American football.
According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via his official X handle, Davide Ancelotti informed the club of his decision not to renew his contract after internal discussions. Romano noted that the separation was amicable, with Botafogo appreciative of the progress made under the young coach and Ancelotti open to new opportunities in Europe.
Davide Ancelotti leaves Botafogo head coach role as he will not sign new contract.
Botafogo are qualified for Copa Libertadores on the first chapter ever as main head coach for Ancelotti jr.
Despite his departure, Davide Ancelotti leaves behind a mixed but instructive spell at the club. His tactical discipline, emphasis on structured buildup, and calm man-management style were evident during his short tenure, and players initially responded positively to his methods. However, his time in charge was brief, and the club’s Copa Libertadores qualification was not a product of his tenure, having been secured before his appointment. While his approach showed promise, it did not translate into sustained results or long-term stability during his five months at Botafogo.
Davide Ancelotti via instagram)
The Ancelotti name has remained in the spotlight in recent weeks, not only because of Davide’s progress in Brazil but also due to developments surrounding his father. Carlo Ancelotti’s legal issues in Spain have drawn attention, adding another layer of public focus on the family during this period.
Within Botafogo, attention now turns to the future as the club looks to appoint a new head coach following Ancelotti Jr.’s dismissal. With the team having failed to meet expectations in the latter part of the season and exiting the Copa Libertadores under his watch, the focus will be on resetting the project, restoring consistency, and improving results in domestic competitions.
For Davide Ancelotti, the departure was not strategic but enforced, following the club’s decision to end his tenure after five months in charge. While this marked his first senior head coach role, it did not result in historic achievements. However, his modern coaching philosophy, tactical education, and experience working at elite European clubs still position him as a young coach with potential, and his next move will likely depend on rebuilding his reputation after a difficult first spell as a head coach.
Davide Ancelotti was dismissed as head coach of Botafogo on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, just five months into his first senior managerial role. His tenure did not include major historic achievements or Copa Libertadores success, as the team were knocked out in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Copa Libertadores by Liga de Quito and finished sixth in the Brazilian league.
Ancelotti Jr. took over a club that was the defending champion of both the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian league (won in 2024 under Artur Jorge), with high expectations to implement a modern European coaching methodology. Despite introducing new ideas and coaching methods, he was unable to deliver the results required.
The club is now facing the task of stabilising results and rebuilding confidence after this disappointing spell, focusing on improving domestic performances and preparing for future campaigns.
