Davide Ancelotti Appointed Lille Head Coach On Two-Year Deal

Davide Ancelotti has been appointed as the new head coach of French club Lille, marking a major step in his managerial career after years spent working alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti.

The Ligue 1 side confirmed the appointment earlier today, June 1, just a week after the departure of Bruno Genesio. The 36-year-old Italian has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2028.

Ancelotti arrives in northern France after serving as an assistant coach with Brazil’s national team under his father. Lille did not indicate whether he would immediately leave that role ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.

The appointment gives Ancelotti another opportunity to lead a team as head coach following six months with Brazilian club Botafogo in 2025.

However, this will be his first chance to take charge of a major European side in his own right.

Throughout his coaching career, Ancelotti has built an impressive résumé as an assistant, working at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Napoli and Everton. He also spent time with the Brazilian national team before accepting Lille’s offer.

Speaking after his appointment, Ancelotti expressed his delight at joining the French club.

“I’m very proud and happy,” Ancelotti said. “It’s an honour to represent Lille.

“They are a serious, ambitious, competitive club that regularly plays European football.”

Lille president Olivier Létang has placed his faith in one of football’s emerging young coaches as the club look to maintain their upward trajectory.

The challenge awaiting Ancelotti is significant. Lille secured a place in next season’s UEFA Champions League after finishing third in Ligue 1, ending the campaign 15 points behind champions Paris Saint-Germain.

His immediate task will be to prepare the squad for the start of the new French top-flight season, which begins on the weekend of August 22 and 23.