Davide Ancelotti, Son of Brazil Coach Carlo, Appointed Lille Head Coach on Two-Year Deal Ahead of Champions League Return

Lille OSC have appointed Davide Ancelotti as their new head coach on a two-year contract, the Ligue 1 club announced on Monday. The 36-year-old Italian, son of Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti, succeeds Bruno Génésio, whose contract was not renewed after he led the club to a third-place finish and Champions League qualification.

A family affair in football

Davide Ancelotti has spent most of his coaching career working alongside his father. He began as a fitness coach at Paris Saint-Germain during Carlo's 18-month spell there from 2011 to 2013. He later served as an assistant at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and across two stints at Real Madrid. He is currently part of his father's staff with the Brazilian national team, preparing for the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

I'm very proud and happy. It's an honour to represent Lille. They are a serious, ambitious, competitive club who are regularly playing European football.

A brief stint in Brazil

This is Ancelotti's second role as a head coach. His first, at Brazilian top-flight side Botafogo last year, lasted only five months. He was dismissed in December after the club finished sixth in the league and was knocked out of the Copa Libertadores round of 16 by Ecuador's LDU Quito. His record there stood at 15 wins, 10 draws, and 8 defeats.

The selection process

Lille president Olivier Létang chose Ancelotti from a shortlist that also included Stefano Pioli and Thiago Motta. Létang praised the new coach's modern vision and rigorous approach.

Davide is a great professional, who has all the qualities and skills of a modern coach. I have known him for many years and I have assiduously followed his development at the highest level, following the great coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Champions League return

Lille is back in Europe's top competition after a one-year absence. In the 2024-25 season, they placed seventh in the 36-team league phase before losing to Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16. This past season, under Génésio, they reached the Europa League round of 16, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Aston Villa.

The Champions League is special for me, for my experience and my family. I am very proud. It is an honour.

Managing from a distance

Ancelotti's presentation was expected as early as Monday, though he is currently in Brazil with the national team. According to reports, he will likely have to manage the initial phase of his new role remotely. Lille did not specify whether he will continue his duties with Brazil once he takes full charge at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy.