Vinicius, Rodrygo, Neymar to get new manager one year before FIFA World Cup 2026: Brazil’s alternative to Carlo Ancelotti revealed – and Santos star might not like it

For a nation that breathes soccer like oxygen, even a single stumble can spark a storm. But when that stumble turns into a string of setbacks, and when it involves the likes of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo, and Neymar, the reaction is often swift and unforgiving.

More than 14 months before the world turns its eyes to the United States, Canada, and Mexico for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the most successful national team in history stands on the brink of yet another revolution. Brazil, wounded, uncertain, and without direction, has made the call to sack Dorival Junior — but who will lead the most famous shirt in world soccer? That answer could make headlines for all the wrong reasons, especially for Neymar, who might face an old foe on the bench.

The debacle in Buenos Aires — a crushing 4-1 defeat to eternal rivals Argentina — left more than a sporting scar. It opened a wound inside the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and set in motion the end of Dorival Junior’s short and troubled reign.

In the days that followed, Fabrizio Romano made it official: “Brazil have sacked the coach Dorival Junior after defeat vs Argentina. The decision has been made with immediate effect as Brazilian Federation started looking for a replacement.” The CBF added, “From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”

Dream called Ancelotti… but ‘Plan B’ wears Portuguese colors

Brazil still reportedly dreams of Carlo Ancelotti. Who wouldn’t? He is the favorite, admired by Vinicius, respected by Rodrygo, and loved by many inside the CBF, as per multiple reports. Yet, with his Real Madrid contract potentially keeping him in Spain until mid-2025, the CBF is preparing for a less romantic, but more available, alternative. His name? Jorge Jesus.

According to UOL Esporte, the Portuguese coach, currently leading Al-Hilal to an astonishing unbeaten season in Saudi Arabia, is the frontrunner if Ancelotti declines. “The CBF sees Jorge Jesus as the safest and most immediate option due to his experience and availability,” says the report.

At first glance, it seems logical. The 70-year-old boss is a serial winner. With Benfica, Flamengo, and now in the Saudi Pro League, trophies have followed him. In 2019, he became almost a myth in Rio de Janeiro after delivering the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão titles to Flamengo. This season, the reigning winners are still in the race for a back-to-back title defense.

Neymar’s unfinished business with Jorge Jesus

But soccer is rarely just about trophies. Jorge Jesus could bring something else to Brazil — controversy. His history with Neymar could shake the very core of this dressing room. It was just months ago when Jesus openly questioned Neymar’s physical condition during their brief time together at Al-Hilal. “Neymar can no longer play at the level we were used to. He is a world-class player, but physically, he hasn’t been able to keep up with the team,” Jesus declared.

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It wasn’t just a tactical observation. It was personal. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star, who later returned to Santos in Brazil, fired back without hiding his frustration. “Obviously, I was very upset with Jorge Jesus’ words when he said I didn’t have the capability to play like the rest of the team,” the 33-year-old confessed.

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Now imagine these two reunited. Could Neymar, Brazil’s global icon, accept being managed by someone who publicly doubted him? Could Jorge Jesus trust the player he once saw as a liability?

What’s more, will the CBF give him the keys to the five-time world champions, knowing the Santos captain may not even walk through the door if Jesus is on the bench? Brazil, still fourth in the qualifiers and virtually safe thanks to the new 48-team World Cup format, now faces a deeper dilemma — is winning the World Cup worth risking a civil war in the dressing room?