Alisson Becker hails Ancelotti as a ‘true winner’ahead of World Cup opener

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has praised Carlo Ancelotti as a “true winner” as Brazil launches its campaign for a record-extending sixth World Cup title.

The 67-year-old manager is set to manage his first-ever World Cup match this Saturday at New York’s MetLife Stadium, where Brazil will kick off their Group C journey against Morocco.

Alisson Becker shared his admiration for the Italian tactician, who stands as Brazil’s first foreign manager since 1965.

He said:

“I can see his joy and gratitude for being the head coach and the leader of the Brazil national team. He is a true winner, and it really shows. You can see it in his expression. You notice it, and we as players notice it, too. The guy has won everything in football, yet here he is working with the Brazil national team, still full of joy and enthusiasm.”

While Brazil enters the tournament as one of the heavy favourites, its opening fixture presents a serious challenge. They square off against a formidable Morocco side that famously reached the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup.

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference at the Emirates Stadium, London. Picture date: Friday November 14, 2025. — Credit: John Walton/PA

Morocco, currently ranked seventh in the world, memorably knocked out Spain and Portugal during their historic 2022 run. They also recently claimed the Africa Cup of Nations title in March, following a chaotic final where a controversial Senegal victory was ultimately overturned.

Brazil will be eager to advance further this time around, having been eliminated in the quarter-finals of the last World Cup during a tense penalty shootout against Croatia.

Alisson Becker added:

“Being the favourites does not guarantee anything for anyone. It does not guarantee that a team will become the champion. Sometimes, it actually brings extra weight – and even greater responsibility – like the ‘weight of the jersey’, we know that, right? We know there is a huge responsibility.

There are two sides to the weight of the jersey – responsibility, but also privilege. So, it’s a privilege and a joy. And that is something that the head coach conveys to us, too.”

Neymar could be unavailable for Saturday’s contest as he nurses a calf problem, while Morocco’s preparations have been dented by the late injury withdrawals of Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli.