Ancelotti and Ronaldo: A Carnival Encounter in Rio

Rio de Janeiro – The intersection of Brazilian football’s past and present unfolded on the Sambadrome during Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival celebrations on Sunday, February 15, 2026. Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, now at the helm of the Brazilian national team, shared a moment with football legend Ronaldo Nazário, known as “O Fenômeno,” amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the parade.

A Meeting of Legends

Whereas enjoying the Carnival festivities, Ancelotti, who previously coached Ronaldo at AC Milan, encountered the former striker on the Sambadrome. Ronaldo was riding atop a Brahma beer float as part of his role as the brand’s ambassador and president of the “Sociedade Anônima Brahma” (SAB), a partnership renewed in 2025. The two exchanged a warm greeting, with Ronaldo raising a glass of beer towards Ancelotti, who reciprocated with a wave and a sip from his own glass.

Carnival as Work and Promotion

For Ronaldo, the Carnival appearance was part of a work agenda, leveraging his long-standing relationship with Brahma, dating back to the 1990s. Ancelotti’s Carnival tour is part of an advertising campaign for a different brand, following appearances in Salvador on February 13th and São Paulo on February 14th. In Salvador, he was accompanied by musicians Bell Marques and Léo Santana, while in São Paulo, he was joined by former player Denílson.

Ancelotti Embraces Brazilian Culture

Ronaldo commented on Ancelotti’s immersion in Brazilian culture, stating that the coach expressed his enjoyment of the “energy” of the Brazilian Carnival experience. He believes this cultural engagement will benefit Ancelotti as he prepares the national team for upcoming competitions. Ancelotti has been observed actively participating in the festivities, demonstrating a willingness to connect with the local culture.

Continued Carnival Tour

Ancelotti’s participation in Carnival events is part of a broader promotional campaign. He began his Carnival journey in Salvador, followed by São Paulo, and culminated in Rio de Janeiro, experiencing the unique energy of each city’s celebrations.