The veteran Brazilian defender Dante is preparing to start a new phase in his football career, after confirming his retirement from football at the end of the 2025-2026 season, in preparation for returning to Bayern Munich, but this time in a coaching role within the club's youth system.

Dante, the defender for the French club Nice, announced at the beginning of last February that he would end his professional career at the end of the 2025-2026 season, after more than 24 years on the field.

The player said after his team's 2-0 victory over RC Lens: "At some point, I have to decide my position, also so the club can prepare for the next phase. Considering the course of the season and how I feel physically and the recovery process, I still feel I can play for an additional season, but it will be the last."

After spending 10 years with Nice, Dante is preparing to return to Bayern Munich, the club he shone with between 2012 and 2015, but this time not as a player, but as part of the coaching staff.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg via Sky Sports, Dante has already signed his contract with the Bavarian club, and he will start his duties from the next season.

Dante will work as a coach for the under-23 team, in addition to overseeing the reserve team that includes under-23, under-19, and under-17 categories, succeeding coach Holger Seitz.

Dante, who is 42 years old, is set to lead the under-23 team after officially retiring this summer, and he will also lead the club's team in the Youth League, marking the beginning of his coaching career within the club.