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| Carlo Ancelotti Bids Farewell to Real Madrid, Ready for New Challenge as Brazil Head Coach. |
Carlo Ancelotti is set to lead Real Madrid for the final time this Saturday when they face Real Sociedad, before officially stepping into his new role as Brazil’s national team head coach.
The legendary Italian manager has made it clear—he has no plans to coach another club after leaving Madrid. His sights are now set on the exciting challenge of guiding the Seleção.
Earlier this month, Brazil confirmed that Ancelotti would take over once the LaLiga season wraps up. That makes this weekend’s match not just another game, but a special farewell for a coach who has left a huge mark on the club.
Over two separate stints with Real Madrid, Ancelotti has collected an incredible 15 trophies, making him the most successful coach in the club’s history when it comes to silverware.
He’s also the only manager to win league titles in all five of Europe’s top domestic leagues—and his 2021-22 LaLiga title with Madrid helped solidify that record. On top of that, he holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in LaLiga history: 42 matches between September 2023 and October 2024 (31 wins, 11 draws).
When asked if he would ever return to Real Madrid after coaching Brazil, Ancelotti gave an honest answer.
"I don’t know. I’ve always said I didn’t want to coach another club after Madrid, and that hasn’t changed," he told reporters. "Right now, my focus is doing well with Brazil."
Ancelotti says he's thrilled to join the most successful national team in World Cup history. “I love the idea of preparing a team like Brazil for a World Cup,” he said. “And I’m happy I won’t be betraying Madrid by joining another club.”
On Instagram, Ancelotti posted a heartfelt goodbye to the Madrid faithful.
"We go our separate ways again. I carry every moment of this amazing second chapter with Real Madrid in my heart," he wrote. "These years have been unforgettable—full of emotion, trophies, and pride. Representing this badge has been an honor."
He also thanked club president Florentino Pérez, the players, his staff, and the fans. “The magical nights at the Bernabéu are now part of football history.”
Ancelotti’s contract was originally set to run until June 2026. He has won the UEFA Champions League three times with Madrid and holds the record for most Champions League titles by a coach (five). He’s also the only coach to reach six Champions League finals.
Despite all that success, Madrid will end this season trophyless. They lost the LaLiga title to rivals Barcelona, who also beat them in both the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España finals.
Rumors are already swirling about his replacement. Former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is reportedly at the top of the list. Alonso is expected to leave Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season, and Madrid hopes to have him in place before the FIFA Club World Cup begins on June 15.
Ancelotti had nothing but support for his former player: “Everyone has their own coaching style. Xabi should enjoy Madrid. I wish him all the best. He has what it takes.”
Saturday’s match will also be the final appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu for Luka Modrić, the 39-year-old club legend and 2018 Ballon d’Or winner. He’s set to leave after the Club World Cup.
Ancelotti admitted it’s going to be emotional.
“I get emotional pretty easily. It’s going to be a special day. If I cry, it’s okay,” he said. “Sharing that goodbye with Modrić—someone who’s been a true legend and a great support—is going to be something beautiful.”
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