Brazil defender Danilo compared Carlo Ancelotti's desire to Cristiano Ronaldo's work ethic as they look to win the World Cup together.
Ancelotti has done it all at club level, winning the Champions League as well as domestic titles in England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany.
The Italian will now experience his first World Cup as head coach. He is the first non-Brazilian to take charge of the Selecao at the tournament.
He could also become the third coach to win both the World Cup and the Champions League/European Cup, after Marcello Lippi and Vicente del Bosque.
This will likely be 34-year-old Danilo's last chance to win the World Cup, though he has full confidence in Ancelotti's plans.
"Ancelotti is like Cristiano," Danilo told The Athletic.
"One of the most famous people in football, yet he lives the days with us like a normal person.
"He's humble, and this is one of the most important abilities of champions. He won a lot, but he works as if he has won nothing."
FALTAM 5 DIAS!
— brasil (@CBF_Futebol) June 8, 2026
24 anos de espera.
24 anos de saudade, mas a história já mostrou que, quando duvidam da gente, é quando o Brasil fica mais forte.
A contagem regressiva está acabando. É hora de sonhar de novo.#BateNoPeito
ISSO É BRASIL! pic.twitter.com/FtfNxFnA5I
Brazil are the only team to have taken part in every single World Cup since its original edition in 1930 – this will be their 23rd appearance.
They have won the World Cup more than any other team (five) and have the best win rate in the tournament’s history (67% - 76 wins in 114 matches).
Brazil's last World Cup triumph came in 2002. Since then, they have gone five consecutive tournaments without lifting the trophy; it’s their joint-longest run without winning the tournament along with 1930 – 1954 and 1974 – 1990.