Davide Ancelotti Learns Botafogo Fate Amid Rising Rangers Manager Speculation
Davide Ancelotti, currently head coach of Brazilian Série A side Botafogo, has been handed a vote of confidence from club ownership despite growing pressure and speculation linking him back to a potential managerial role at Rangers. Ancelotti, son of renowned manager Carlo Ancelotti, was seen as a candidate for the Ibrox job in the summer of 2025 but lost out to Russell Martin.
Since taking over Botafogo in July 2025, Ancelotti’s tenure has been mixed. Early wins and promise in Brazil’s top flight were followed by disappointing exits in both the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil. Recent league form has slipped, placing Botafogo outside the running for major trophies, and a recent defeat by São Paulo deepened criticism of his team’s inconsistent performances.
Despite growing unrest among fans and mounting media calls for change, Botafogo owner John Textor has reportedly made it clear that there are no plans to sack Ancelotti at this time. The club insists Ancelotti remains in charge, and his contract reportedly runs through December 2026.
Meanwhile, at Rangers, chairman Andrew Cavenagh and CEO Patrick Stewart are under pressure, fuelled by a poor start to the 2025-26 season and fan demands for a new manager. Russell Martin, appointed in June 2025, has been on the back foot following several losses and disappointing displays in the Scottish Premiership. Speculation has re-ignited that Rangers could revisit Davide Ancelotti as an option should Martin be dismissed.
For now, though, the “Botafogo fate” for Davide Ancelotti is to stay in post. There is no immediate plan to remove him, despite the pressure, and his contract secures him for the foreseeable future. Rangers may remain alert in the background, but Botafogo have firmly stated their intention to stick with Ancelotti as head coach.
Key Takeaways:
Davide Ancelotti continues as head coach of Botafogo, with ownership backing him despite recent setbacks.
Rangers remain in a precarious position under Russell Martin, and Ancelotti is among the names being linked as a possible replacement.
As things stand, Botafogo have no plans to sack Ancelotti; his contract runs until the end of 2026.
