Pep Guardiola is reportedly at the center of a bold plan to become the next Brazil manager, spearheaded by legendary former Real Madrid icon Ronaldo. The ambitious move comes as Guardiola’s future at Manchester City grows increasingly uncertain, with his current contract set to expire at the end of this season.
Guardiola, 53, was previously linked with the England job before the FA appointed Thomas Tuchel, and the Spanish manager has long expressed his desire to one day take charge of a national team. Earlier this year, he said, “I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that. When I started in this, I never thought about winning a league title or winning the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK. I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that.“
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Ronaldo, who is vying to become the next president of the Brazilian Football Federation, is planning to make Guardiola a cornerstone of his presidential bid. If Ronaldo is successful, he intends to recruit Guardiola as Brazil’s head coach in 2026, just after the end of his contract with Manchester City.
However, before Ronaldo can focus on his presidential ambitions, he must first offload his ownership of Real Valladolid—a necessary step if he is to proceed with his campaign. He is said to have support from influential figures in Brazilian football, including former Corinthians president Andres Sanchez.
Although Guardiola has been frequently linked with the Brazil job, the current president of the Brazilian Federation, Ednaldo Rodrigues, denied any contact with the City boss. Speaking to ESPN Brasil, Rodrigues stated, “**Although he is one of the greatest coaches in the world, there was no involvement from the CBF to make any contact. We’ve been working with the coaching staff led by *Dorival Júnior*, and we’re satisfied. Yes, *Dorival* continues; the point is that he has a contract. The CBF has until 2026, he goes until the World Cup… It’s up to him.**”
According to ESPN, the most recent contact between Brazil and Guardiola dates back to 2022.
