Davide Ancelotti appointed Lille manager ahead of Champions League return

Davide Ancelotti has been appointed head coach of Lille on a two-year contract, the club confirmed, handing the 36-year-old his first managerial position in European football. He replaces Bruno Génésio, whose contract was not renewed despite guiding Lille to a third-place finish in Ligue 1 and a return to the Champions League next season.

“LOSC is delighted to welcome Davide Ancelotti as they prepare for the 2026-2027 season, which will combine Ligue 1 and the Uefa Champions League,” the club said in a statement. “This young manager, already highly experienced thanks to his extensive career with some of the world’s biggest clubs, coaching staffs, and locker rooms, is also renowned for his ability to develop young talent while performing at the highest level.”

Ancelotti arrives with considerable experience as an assistant, having worked alongside his father Carlo at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and Real Madrid. He most recently served with the Brazil national team during their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign before leaving the setup in July 2025. Carlo Ancelotti is now preparing to lead Brazil at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Davide’s only previous head coaching role was a five-month spell at Brazilian club Botafogo last year, which ended in his dismissal. He also worked as a fitness coach at Paris Saint-Germain more than 13 years ago, during his father’s time in charge there.

Lille president Olivier Letang expressed strong confidence in the appointment. “Davide is a consummate professional, possessing all the qualities and skills of a modern coach,” Letang said. “His vision of football and his approach to coaching are both rigorous and highly relevant. We are convinced that he is ready and has all the necessary skills to lead and develop LOSC’s sporting project.”

Lille’s previous European campaign under Génésio saw them compete in the Europa League, where they reached the round of 16 before being eliminated by eventual champions Aston Villa. Davide Ancelotti will now be tasked with navigating the club through the demands of both Ligue 1 and the Champions League in his first full season at the helm.