Take note — another Ancelotti is stepping onto the stage

After parting ways with Renato Paiva, Botafogo is on the verge of appointing Davide Ancelotti — the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti — as its new head coach. The official announcement is expected soon, marking a significant career step for Davide, who is preparing to take on a first-team managerial role for the very first time.

Discussions between Ancelotti and Botafogo have progressed rapidly. Davide had previously negotiated for a head coaching position after his father left Real Madrid to take charge of the Brazilian national team. Although that move didn’t come to fruition, he instead joined the Brazilian national team’s coaching staff. Notably, he was on the bench during Brazil’s recent 2–1 victory over Paraguay in the Copa America, gaining valuable firsthand experience in South American football.

The decision to sack Renato Paiva came just a week ago, immediately following Botafogo’s disappointing elimination from the Club World Cup, where they were knocked out by Palmeiras. Paiva's tenure was marked by inconsistency, and the loss proved to be the final straw for the club's leadership.

Driving the coaching change is John Textor, the American businessman and majority shareholder in Botafogo. After temporarily stepping back from his role with Lyon, Textor is now shifting his attention to the Brazilian side, aiming to take a more hands-on approach in reshaping the club’s future. Bringing in a young, promising coach like Davide Ancelotti is seen as part of a broader project to elevate Botafogo both domestically and on the international stage.