Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid after Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad, bringing an end to a glittering second stint in charge of the Spanish giants before taking the reins of the Brazil national team.
The 65-year-old Italian manager, widely regarded as one of the most respected tacticians in football, is set to begin his new role as Brazil head coach on 26 May, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed earlier this month. The CBF had long been pursuing Ancelotti, and his departure from Madrid has now been officially announced by the club.
In an emotional farewell, Ancelotti described his connection with Real Madrid as “eternal,” reflecting fondly on what he called an “incredible journey” filled with “emotions, titles, and magical nights.”
“I carry with me in my heart every moment of this wonderful second stint as Real Madrid manager,” Ancelotti posted on X (formerly Twitter). “The magical nights at the Bernabeu are now part of football history. What we’ve achieved together will forever remain in the memory of Real Madrid fans.”
Trophy-Laden Tenure
Ancelotti’s return to Madrid in 2021, after a spell at Everton, was met with a mixture of surprise and optimism. But the seasoned coach quickly reminded the footballing world of his tactical nous and calm leadership.
Over two spells in charge of Los Blancos — first from 2013 to 2015, and then from 2021 to 2025 — Ancelotti has collected 15 major trophies, including two UEFA Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns. His most recent triumph came last season, as Madrid clinched both the domestic title and a record-extending 15th European crown.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Ancelotti’s legacy, stating: “We feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club’s values in such exemplary fashion.”
Brazil Beckons
Ancelotti now steps into one of the most demanding roles in international football, taking charge of Brazil at a time of transition. The five-time World Cup winners sacked Dorival Junior in March following a 4-1 loss to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying. The defeat left Brazil fourth in the South American standings, having lost five of 14 matches.
Despite their struggles, Brazil remains on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, and the hope is that Ancelotti’s vast experience will inject stability and belief into the Selecao. His debut in the Brazil dugout will come in June, with qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador.
The Italian will be the first European to coach Brazil since the 1960s, a move that signals a bold shift from the CBF.
Alonso Set for Return
Real Madrid are wasting no time in lining up Ancelotti’s replacement. Former midfielder Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is expected to take over. Alonso, 43, confirmed earlier this month that he would be stepping down from his role in Germany after leading Leverkusen to a Bundesliga title.
With the FIFA Club World Cup on the horizon next month, Madrid hope to have Alonso installed as manager in time to prepare the squad for the tournament.
Ancelotti offered his full support to his likely successor: “I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team — enjoy it.”
A Legacy Cemented
Carlo Ancelotti departs Real Madrid not only with an overflowing trophy cabinet but with the admiration of players, fans, and football institutions across the globe. His humility, strategic brilliance, and ability to manage egos in elite dressing rooms have made him a legend in the eyes of many.
As he embarks on a new chapter with Brazil, the football world will be watching closely. The Selecao’s dreams of World Cup glory in 2026 may well rest on the steady shoulders of “Don Carlo.”
