Davide Ancelotti, born in Parma on July 22, 1989, began his football journey at AC Milan before retiring as a player at just 20 to pursue coaching.
After earning a degree in sports science, he joined his father Carlo’s staff at PSG in 2012 – first as a fitness coach, then as assistant manager across Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid.
For years, his role was defined by a supportive shadow: implementing coaching drills, leading sessions, and translating Carlo’s tactical guidance into practice.
But Davide quietly staked out a space of his own – one defined by dialogue, responsibility, and constructive challenges to the system.
On being Carlo Ancelotti’s son
Davide reflected on the privilege and weight of his surname in La Gazzetta dello Sport:
“Se fai l’allenatore, avere il mio cognome è pesantissimo … Mio padre chiede e soffre. … Non sarà semplice superare i problemi e i pregiudizi.”
(“If you’re a coach, having my surname is extremely heavy … My father asks and suffers. … It won’t be easy to overcome the problems and prejudices.”)
The present: New beginnings at Botafogo
While Ancelotti junior did briefly serve as an assistant coach to his father, Carlo Ancelotti, when the latter was appointed as Brazil’s manager.
Davide has since taken on the role of head coach at Botafogo, a Brazilian football club.
In July 2025, he took his first step into independent leadership when appointed head coach of Brazilian side Botafogo, on a two-year deal.
He decided not to join his father working with the Brazil national team to dedicate himself fully to the club project.
He debuted four days later in a 1–0 win over Vasco da Gama — signing the match report as assistant goalkeeper coach due to registration delays. Four matches in: two wins, two draws, with one goal conceded.
Next up is Red Bull Bragantino in the Copa do Brasil.
On the experience, Davide said at his official unveiling:
“Ho voluto la bicicletta e adesso pedalo … desideravo mettermi in gioco … e mi porto in dote una lezione, quella di mio papà …”
(“I chose the bicycle, and now I pedal … I wanted to challenge myself … and I carry with me a lesson, that of my father …”)
The future: Stepping out of the shadow
Modern reports link him to managerial roles in European clubs (including Rangers and Spanish sides). This signalled early recognition of his tactical acumen and leadership profile.
With a UEFA Pro Licence earned in 2023 and extensive apprenticeship alongside his father at elite clubs. Davide blends advanced coaching methods with a thoughtful, multilingual communication style — making him a rising candidate for future top roles.
Davide has clearly crossed a threshold — evolving from being his father’s trusted lieutenant to becoming a head coach in his own right.
He navigates the weight of his surname with honesty, ambition, and the drive to prove that he is more than just Carlo Ancelotti’s son.
