Carlo Ancelotti Bids Farewell to Real Madrid, Heads to Brazil
Ancelotti’s Emotional Goodbye to Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti, one of Real Madrid’s most successful coaches, confirmed his departure from the club on May 12, 2025, to take charge of Brazil’s national team.
The announcement came from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), marking the end of his second stint with the Spanish giants.
His final game will be against Real Sociedad on May 25, 2025.
At an emotional press conference on May 13, Ancelotti spoke fondly of his time at the club.
“Real Madrid loves me. They’ve always shown me affection,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion. “I couldn’t be their manager forever. This is ending for many reasons. Maybe the club needs new energy.” He expressed gratitude to the fans, players, and president Florentino Perez, insisting there were no hard feelings. “My honeymoon with Real Madrid will last until my last day,” he added, hinting at a lifelong bond with the club.
Ancelotti’s calm demeanor shone through, even as he faced tough questions about his exit. He refused to dwell on drama, saying, “There’s no need to make a big deal out of this.” Fans are expected to give him a warm send-off at the Santiago Bernabeu for his final match, recognizing his remarkable legacy.
When Ancelotti Joined Real Madrid
Ancelotti first joined Real Madrid in 2013, leading the club to their long-awaited 10th Champions League title, known as “La Decima,” in 2014. After a brief departure in 2015, he returned in June 2021 for a second spell.
His return followed Zinedine Zidane’s exit, with Ancelotti seen as a steady hand to guide the club through a transitional phase.
At the time, Real Madrid needed stability, and Ancelotti’s experience made him the ideal choice. His second tenure began with high expectations, and he quickly proved his worth by winning major trophies.
Over his two spells, he managed 353 games, cementing his status as the club’s most successful coach. His deep connection with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr., and Rodrygo helped him maintain a strong dressing room. Ancelotti’s return in 2021 was a homecoming, as he embraced the challenge of keeping Real Madrid at the top of European football.
Ancelotti’s Stellar Results at Real Madrid
Ancelotti leaves Real Madrid as their most decorated manager, with 15 trophies across two spells. His haul includes three Champions League titles (2014, 2022, 2024), two La Liga titles, and a Copa del Rey.
He also won two Champions League and La Liga doubles, a rare feat. Last season, he guided Madrid to both the Champions League and La Liga, showcasing his tactical brilliance. Ancelotti is the only coach to win titles in Europe’s top five leagues, a testament to his versatility.
His first spell saw him end Madrid’s 12-year wait for a 10th European Cup, while his second spell revived the club’s dominance. However, the 2024-25 season was trophyless, with Madrid exiting the Champions League in the quarter-finals to Arsenal and losing the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona.
They trail Barcelona by seven points in La Liga with three games left, all but ending their title hopes. Despite this, Ancelotti’s overall record remains unmatched, with 15 trophies in six seasons.
Why Ancelotti Is Leaving
Ancelotti’s departure stems from a mix of factors. Real Madrid’s inconsistent 2024-25 season, marked by a 4-3 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico and a trophyless campaign, fueled speculation about his future.
The club’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, a former Madrid player, began as early as March, signaling a shift. Ancelotti’s son, Davide, a key assistant, also plans to leave to pursue his own coaching career, adding to the transition.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s persistent interest in Ancelotti, led by CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, proved decisive. The CBF wanted him for the 2026 World Cup, and after failed attempts in 2023, they secured his commitment. Ancelotti, 65, saw the Brazil job as a fresh challenge after decades in club football.
His contract with Madrid, set to run until 2026, was mutually terminated early. The timing aligns with Brazil’s need for a coach for World Cup qualifiers in June 2025. Ancelotti’s desire for a new adventure and Madrid’s readiness for change made his exit inevitable.
Can Ancelotti Lead Brazil to World Cup Glory?
Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil’s first foreign coach is a bold move by the CBF. Brazil, five-time World Cup winners, haven’t lifted the trophy since 2002. Recent struggles, including a 4-1 loss to Argentina in qualifiers, led to the sacking of Dorival Junior in March.
Ancelotti’s experience with Brazilian stars like Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, and Eder Militao at Madrid makes him a strong fit. His calm leadership and tactical adaptability are seen as key to uniting Brazil’s talented but disjointed squad. “Ancelotti was chosen for his unrivaled success,” said South American football expert Tim Vickery.
The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is the target, and Ancelotti’s record of five Champions League titles inspires confidence. His first matches will be qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June 2025. While some fans question a foreign coach, CBF president Rodrigues called Ancelotti “the greatest coach in history.” If anyone can end Brazil’s 24-year World Cup drought, it’s Ancelotti, but the challenge is immense.
