It’s shame you don’t have Brazilian passport — Ancelotti tells Valverde
Abdullateef Fowewe
Carlo Ancelotti, now steering Brazil’s national team after his Real Madrid stint, couldn’t hide his admiration for Fede Valverde.
In a cheeky message to the Uruguayan star, he quipped, “I’ve sent a message to Fede Valverde… I told him: it’s a shame you don’t have a Brazilian passport!”
The remark stems from a long-standing bet Ancelotti made with Valverde years back: “I made a bet with Fede years ago that he’d score 10 goals in a season — or I’d revoke my coaching license.”
With Valverde’s blistering 2026 form—6 goals and 8 assists in just 17 appearances—he’s charging toward that milestone, putting Ancelotti’s credentials on the line in the most fun way possible.
Valverde’s transformation shines brightest in his latest run, where he’s notched five goals over three matches.
Once a reliable defensive shield, he’s now a dynamic attacking threat, injecting vital energy into Real Madrid’s midfield as they chase silverware across competitions.
