Textor Lands Ancelotti’s Son as New Orlando City Sporting Director

davide Ancelotti Named New Botafogo Manager

Davide Ancelotti, son of Carlo Ancelotti, joins Botafogo as head coach.

July 8, 2025 | World Football | by Guillaume Conte

Rio de Janeiro – Botafogo has officially appointed Davide Ancelotti as their new head coach, marking a important shift for the brazilian club. The move comes after a period of searching following the departure of the previous manager, and positions Ancelotti, son of renowned coach Carlo Ancelotti, at the helm of the historic Rio de Janeiro outfit.

Ancelotti, who previously served as an assistant coach at Real Madrid, brings a wealth of experience from one of Europe’s most successful clubs. He will continue in his role as assistant coach for the Brazilian national team,where his father currently manages,creating a unique dynamic within both setups.

The Italian tactician has signed a contract with Botafogo that extends through June 2026, signaling a long-term commitment to the club’s project. This appointment is viewed as a strategic investment by Botafogo owner John Textor, aiming to elevate the club’s performance and competitiveness both domestically and internationally.

Welcome, Ancelotti! 🇮🇹🔥

Davide Ancelotti is the new coach of Botafogo. Italian signed a contract with Glorioso until the end of 2026! ✍🏼📋 #Vamosbotafogo pic.twitter.com/aeCg8EfJk4

– Botafogo FR (@botafogo)

The Ancelotti Legacy and Botafogo’s Ambitions

The appointment of Davide Ancelotti represents more than just a change in management; it’s a statement of intent from Botafogo. Leveraging the Ancelotti name and tactical expertise is expected to attract higher-caliber players and enhance the club’s profile on the global stage.

Botafogo, a club steeped in history, has been striving to reclaim its position as a dominant force in Brazilian football. The club’s ownership, led by John Textor, has been actively investing in infrastructure and talent acquisition. Ancelotti’s arrival is the latest step in this enterprising plan.

The challenge for Ancelotti will be to adapt his European coaching style to the unique demands of Brazilian football, known for its flair, physicality, and tactical adaptability. Successfully navigating this cultural and sporting transition will be key to his success at the Estádio Nilton Santos.

Looking Ahead: Botafogo’s Future Under Ancelotti

With a contract extending to 2026, Ancelotti has ample time to implement his vision for Botafogo. Fans will be eager to see how he integrates his tactical approach with the existing squad and what new players he brings to the club. The combination of Ancelotti’s experience and Botafogo’s ambition promises an exciting new chapter for the brazilian club.

Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on Botafogo and the latest developments in world football.

How will Davide Ancelotti leverage his European network to impact player recruitment for Orlando City?

The Appointment: Davide Ancelotti Takes the Reins

orlando City SC has announced Davide Ancelotti as their new Sporting Director, effective immediately. The move, orchestrated by Orlando City owner John Textor, represents a significant investment in the club’s long-term strategy and a clear signal of ambition within Major League Soccer (MLS). Ancelotti,son of renowned football manager Carlo Ancelotti,brings a wealth of experience from European football,most recently serving as Sporting Director for Serie A club AC Milan. This appointment is a key component of Textor’s vision for Orlando City, aiming to build a competitive squad capable of consistently challenging for MLS Cup.

Ancelotti’s Background & European Pedigree

Davide Ancelotti’s career trajectory is deeply rooted in the world of elite football. his experience includes:

AC Milan (Sporting Director): A pivotal role overseeing player recruitment and squad progress for one of Europe’s most historic clubs.

Bayern Munich (Scout/Assistant): Working alongside his father,Carlo,at the German giants,gaining invaluable insights into top-level player analysis and team building.

Paris Saint-Germain (Scout): Early scouting experience within another European powerhouse.

Real Madrid (Scout): Further honing his skills identifying and evaluating talent.

This extensive background provides Ancelotti with a extensive understanding of the global football landscape, crucial for identifying and securing talent for Orlando City. His network of contacts across Europe is expected to be a major asset. The focus will be on identifying undervalued players and developing young talent within the Orlando City system.

Textor’s Vision & The city Football Group Model

John Textor’s ownership of Orlando city is predicated on a data-driven approach to football, mirroring the success of the City Football Group (CFG).Textor’s company, Eagle Football Holdings, aims to replicate CFG’s multi-club ownership model, leveraging data analytics and scouting networks to identify and develop talent across a portfolio of clubs.

The appointment of Ancelotti is a direct reflection of this strategy. Ancelotti’s experience in European recruitment aligns perfectly with textor’s desire to bring a more sophisticated and data-informed approach to player acquisition in MLS. This includes:

Data Analytics Integration: Utilizing advanced data analytics to identify potential signings based on performance metrics and statistical modeling.

Global Scouting Network: Expanding Orlando city’s scouting reach to identify talent in emerging football markets.

Player Development Pathways: Creating clear pathways for young players to progress from the Orlando City Academy to the first team.

Impact on Orlando City’s Transfer Strategy

expect a shift in Orlando City’s transfer strategy under Ancelotti’s leadership. While the club has previously focused on established MLS players, Ancelotti is likely to prioritize:

Young, Undervalued Talent: Identifying players with high potential who can be developed and sold for a profit.

Strategic Loan Deals: Utilizing loan agreements to bring in promising players from European clubs.

Data-Driven Recruitment: Making transfer decisions based on objective data analysis rather than solely on scouting reports.

focus on Positional Needs: Addressing specific weaknesses in the squad through targeted acquisitions.

This approach could lead to a more enduring and competitive squad in the long run, reducing the club’s reliance on expensive Designated Player signings.

Challenges and Opportunities for Ancelotti

Ancelotti faces several challenges in his new role:

MLS Salary Cap: Navigating the complexities of the MLS salary cap and roster rules.

League Specifics: adapting to the unique demands and competitive landscape of MLS.

Building a Scouting Network: Establishing a robust scouting network in North America and South America.

Integrating with Existing Staff: Collaborating effectively with the existing coaching and scouting staff.

However, the opportunities are equally significant:

Untapped Potential: MLS is a growing league with significant untapped potential.

Strong Ownership Support: Textor’s commitment to investing in the club provides Ancelotti with the resources he needs to succeed.

Passionate Fan Base: Orlando City boasts a passionate and dedicated fan base.

* Developing Talent: The prospect to build a successful team and develop young players.

Textor’s Previous Ventures & The Kinderzimmer Production Connection

Interestingly, a search reveals John Textor has a past life outside of football ownership. He is connected to the German hip-hop producer Textor, a member of Kinderzimmer Production, active in the 1990s. While seemingly unrelated, this demonstrates Textor’s diverse interests and entrepreneurial spirit, qualities he’s now bringing to bear on his football ventures. This background highlights a willingness to think outside the box and embrace innovation, potentially influencing his approach to club management.