Ancelotti hails Brazil's rise at Club World Cup

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the performances of the country's clubs and individual players at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

The Italian said he was impressed by Fluminense while also praising the feats of Palmeiras, Flamengo and Botafogo, saying they showed Brazilian teams could challenge Europe's best.

Everaldo (R) of Fluminense vies with Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea during the semifinal match between Fluminense FC (Brazil) and Chelsea FC (England) at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, the United States, July 8, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Ming)

"Fluminense had a great campaign, reaching the semifinals, and Botafogo beat PSG," Ancelotti told the Brazilian Football Confederation's official website.

"Palmeiras and Flamengo also proved they can compete with the best European teams," he added.

Brazilian players also caught the attention of the 66-year-old, who was appointed Brazil manager in May after leaving Real Madrid.

Among those singled out were Chelsea's Joao Pedro and Andrey Santos, Real Madrid's Eder Militao and Palmeiras' Chelsea-bound teenager Estevao.

"They played very well," Ancelotti said. "Individually, Estevao put in a great showing. Joao Pedro was decisive in the semifinals and final. Andrey Santos played an important role for Chelsea and Militao came back strong [from injury]. He will be an important player for the national team in the next year."

Ancelotti was present at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium for Sunday's final, in which Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. He said the Premier League club deserved to win the first edition of the expanded global tournament.

"Chelsea deserved it for the consistency they showed throughout the competition," he said. "They showed that they have high-quality young players, like Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro," he concluded.