Lille appoint Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide Ancelotti as new head coach

French club Lille OSC have confirmed the appointment of Davide Ancelotti as their new head coach ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 36-year-old has signed a contract running until 2028 and will lead Lille into both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League after the club secured a third-place finish in the French top flight last season.

Lille hail arrival of young coach

Announcing the appointment, Lille praised Ancelotti’s experience despite his relatively young age.

“LOSC is delighted with the arrival of Davide Ancelotti at the dawn of a new 2026-2027 season that will combine Ligue 1 and UEFA Champions League,” the club said in a statement.

“This young technician, who is also experienced thanks to his extremely rich sporting career in the biggest clubs, staff and locker rooms in the world, is also renowned for his ability to develop young talents, while performing at the highest level.”

Stepping out of Carlo’s shadow

The appointment marks only the second senior managerial role of Ancelotti’s career following a brief spell in charge of Brazilian side Botafogo in 2025.

However, he arrives in France with extensive experience gained alongside his father, Carlo Ancelotti, currently the head coach of Brazil national football team.

Over the past decade and a half, Davide worked with Carlo at some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Napoli and Everton FC.

Champions League challenge awaits

Lille’s decision shows confidence in Ancelotti’s ability to guide the club at both domestic and European level.

Having built a reputation as a tactically astute coach and strong developer of young players, he now faces one of the biggest tests of his managerial career as he prepares to lead Lille into the Champions League and continue the club’s push among France’s elite.