Washington DC: Oscar-winning filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino is developing a documentary based on the life and career of legendary Italian football coach Carlo Ancelotti. The project will chronicle Ancelotti’s remarkable five-decade journey in football and will culminate with the 2026 World Cup, where he is set to coach Brazil national football team, according to Deadline.
The documentary is expected to offer an intimate behind-the-scenes look at Ancelotti’s personal and professional life, tracing his rise from a small-town footballer in Italy to one of the most successful managers in the history of the sport.
According to Deadline, the Carlo Ancelotti documentary taps into Sorrentino’s passion for football, previously seen in his Oscar-nominated semi-autobiographical film The Hand of God (2021), in which he explored his Neapolitan youth and a family tragedy through the lens of football and the arrival of Diego Maradona in the local team.
Born into a farming family in Reggio Emilia, Ancelotti began his football career as a midfielder with Parma before going on to play for major Italian clubs Roma and AC Milan. He later transitioned into coaching during the early 1990s and built one of the most decorated managerial careers in football history.
Over the years, Ancelotti has coached 11 clubs, including Chelsea F.C., Paris Saint-Germain F.C., FC Bayern Munich and Real Madrid CF. He has won 26 trophies and five UEFA Champions League titles, reported Deadline.
The documentary will combine archival footage from different stages of Ancelotti’s life with newly filmed material shot in Italy, Spain and Brazil. Additional filming is also expected to take place in the United States during the upcoming World Cup tournament.
“It’s an honour to tell my story alongside the great Paolo Sorrentino. I’ve always admired his masterpieces and his commitment to artful storytelling,” said Ancelotti of the project.
The film is being produced by Francesco Melzi d’Eril for MDE Films, known for producing acclaimed films including Suspiria, Bones and All and Call Me by Your Name. Additional producers include Chloe McClay, Celia Babini, Buck Andrews and Gabriele Moratti.
The production is being made in association with Fremantle and The Apartment, reported Deadline.
