Davide Ancelotti said he is at Lille “to write my own story”, but hopes to do the family name proud.
Davide, son of legendary coach Carlo, signed a two-year deal to become Lille head coach before the start of the World Cup.
He was Brazil’s assistant coach at the tournament, while he has also been part of the coaching staff at Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Napoli and Everton.
This will be Ancelotti’s second role as head coach, having taken charge of Botafogo between July and December 2025.
The 36-year-old won just 12 of his 27 league games in charge (D9 L6), guiding Botafogo to a sixth-place finish before being relieved of his duties.
He is now looking to make his own name as a coach, but insists he is not weighed down by the legacy of his father.
“I’m here to write my own story. I’m very happy to be an Ancelotti, to have this surname,” said the new Lille boss.
“I had the fortune of being able to learn from the best, and it’s not something I want to detach myself from.
Poursuite de la prépa’ et cap sur le premier amical de l’été
Le groupe vit bien pic.twitter.com/ntkpYsKq33
— LOSC (@losclive) July 16, 2026
“It’s not a weight for me. But I don’t want to make comparisons with my father. I don’t feel pressure over that.
“It’s true I have a rather particular background, but I’ve worked in football for a long time. I started here, in this country, 14 years ago with PSG.
“Then I had my very long career as an assistant, but at clubs where there were big demands, a lot of pressure, where the standards were very high.
“I decided to go and try an experiment in South America to start, because I think it’s a very special environment for a coach, very difficult. I’m very happy I did it, because today I’m a better coach.”
Ancelotti’s first competitive game as Lille boss comes against Angers on August 23 in Ligue 1, while his first home match is against reigning champions PSG.
Lille will also play in the Champions League this season, after finishing third in the league last term.
