Davide Ancelotti Named Lille Head Coach To Lead European Ambitions

Lille have confirmed Davide Ancelotti as first-team head coach on a two-year contract. The appointment places Davide, aged 36, in charge of a side that secured third place in Ligue 1 and booked a return to the Champions League for the 2026-27 season.

The move follows Lille’s decision to part company with Bruno Genesio after the 2025-26 campaign. Davide, son of current Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, becomes the latest young tactician trusted with guiding LOSC in domestic and European competition.

Before joining Lille, Davide worked as an assistant at several major European clubs. The list includes Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Napoli and Everton, plus a spell with the Brazil national team staff alongside Carlo Ancelotti, building extensive experience at elite level.

This Lille role is Davide’s second assignment as a head coach after a brief stint at Botafogo. Davide led the Brazilian side between July and December 2025, winning 12 of 27 league fixtures, drawing nine and losing six, as Botafogo finished sixth before Davide left the post.

Speaking to the club website, Davide outlined personal gratitude and motivation after signing terms. "I am very proud and happy, and I thank President Olivier Letang for his trust and for this opportunity," Ancelotti told the club website, highlighting the importance of Lille’s faith.

Davide then detailed the shared sporting ideas that underpinned the decision to join Lille. "We talked a lot, and I found a real connection, with shared ideas and values. The LOSC project is a perfect fit for me, with its clear identity, high standards, and commitment to hard work. It's a serious, ambitious, competitive club that regularly competes in European competitions. It's an honour for me to represent LOSC."

With Champions League football secured and Davide Ancelotti installed as Lille head coach, LOSC enter the new season with continuity in European participation but change on the touchline. Davide’s mixture of top-level assistant experience and one previous head role will now be tested in Ligue 1 and beyond.