In a surprising turn of events, Carlo Ancelotti, the celebrated manager of Real Madrid, is set to leave his post this summer after an iconic spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. With rumours swirling for months, it now appears that the veteran Italian manager has made his decision about his future. According to multiple reports, Carlo Ancelotti has already agreed to take over as Brazil’s men’s national team manager, marking a significant career shift after a storied tenure with Los Blancos.
The Carlo Ancelotti Era at Real Madrid: An End of an Era?
Ancelotti’s journey with Real Madrid seemed destined for continued success after guiding the team to a rare Champions League-La Liga double during the 2023/24 season. This incredible achievement cemented his legacy as one of the most successful managers in Madrid’s history. However, despite these triumphs, football remains a business of constant change, and no manager, not even one of Carlo Ancelotti’s stature, can remain secure in the ever-pressured environment of the Bernabeu.
Ancelotti’s departure had long been speculated, especially after his team’s early exit from the Champions League in the quarter-finals. While many expected him to stay on until at least 2026, the nature of his profession — coupled with disappointing results in European competition — has resulted in the end of his reign with the club coming much sooner than anticipated.
A Natural Successor for Brazil: The Journey Ahead
For several months, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has been eyeing Carlo Ancelotti as their next head coach, and it now appears that the deal is as good as done. Reports confirm that Carlo Ancelotti and the CBF have reached a mutual agreement, and it’s now just a matter of formalities, with only his signature left to make it official. Fabrizio Romano, a renowned football transfer expert, has mentioned that the salary details of Carlo Ancelotti’s new deal have already been agreed upon, with the Italian expected to become one of the highest-paid national team coaches in the world.
This move to Brazil seems like a natural next step for Carlo Ancelotti, who has previously expressed admiration for the Brazilian style of football and its rich footballing history. It’s worth noting that Carlo Ancelotti has already had experience managing national teams; he was an assistant to the Italian national team in the early 1990s. Now, he’ll have the chance to lead one of the most storied nations in world football as they look to reclaim their place at the pinnacle of international football.
Ancelotti will take over a Brazilian team that has immense talent, with players like Neymar, Vinicius Jr., and Casemiro leading a team that has been in search of a coach who can turn their promise into consistent success on the world stage. After Brazil’s disappointing exit from the 2022 World Cup under Tite, the pressure is now on Carlo Ancelotti to deliver.
The Timing of Carlo Ancelotti’s Exit: What Happens Next for Real Madrid?
Should everything go as planned, Carlo Ancelotti’s departure could come as early as 26 May 2024, just one day after Real Madrid’s final La Liga match of the season against Real Sociedad. This timing is significant for multiple reasons. If Carlo Ancelotti indeed departs after that match, he would leave without leading the team into the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for June 2024. Real Madrid is set to face Al Hilal in the opening match of the newly expanded competition on 18 June.
Ancelotti’s absence during this crucial tournament could leave the club in a state of limbo, particularly if Real Madrid is unable to appoint a permanent successor before the tournament begins. Xabi Alonso, a former Madrid player and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, has been strongly linked with the role, but as of now, no formal announcement has been made regarding his appointment. In the event of a delay, Santiago Solari, another former Madrid player and coach, could take over temporarily. Solari’s brief managerial stint with Real Madrid from 2018 to 2019 was relatively successful, but he may not be the long-term solution the club is looking for.
The Legacy of Ancelotti at Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid is undeniably impressive. During his two stints at the club, he has established himself as one of the most decorated managers in football history, with his tactical acumen and leadership skills often drawing admiration from fans and pundits alike. His first spell at Madrid, from 2013 to 2015, saw him win the Champions League in 2014, famously ending the club’s decade-long wait for La Decima. Under his guidance, Cristiano Ronaldo reached new heights, and the club secured their 10th European crown, a feat that will forever be associated with Carlo Ancelotti’s managerial genius.
However, it was his most recent stint, starting in 2021, that solidified his place in the club’s history. Carlo Ancelotti’s ability to bring the best out of his squad, including Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, and Vinicius Jr., was key to his success. His Champions League-La Liga double in 2023/24 marked the pinnacle of his achievements with Madrid, and even though his reign ended earlier than expected, he leaves behind a squad capable of competing for European and domestic honours for years to come.
Ancelotti’s calm demeanor, combined with his rich experience, has made him a fan favorite in Madrid. He has often been praised for his ability to manage the egos and talents of some of the world’s best players, as well as his tactical flexibility, which allowed him to adapt to various situations.
What’s Next for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid now faces a critical crossroads. Carlo Ancelotti’s departure will create a significant hole in the dugout, and Florentino Pérez, the club’s president, will need to move quickly to secure a long-term successor. As mentioned, Xabi Alonso is the prime candidate, and the former player’s experience with Bayer Leverkusen makes him an intriguing choice. His tactical innovations in Germany, where he has led the team to a strong position in the Bundesliga, have earned him widespread praise.
However, Alonso’s appointment is not without risks. He is still relatively inexperienced in comparison to Carlo Ancelotti, and the transition from Leverkusen to Madrid would be a big step up. Should Alonso decide not to take the job, the club could look elsewhere, with names like Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino, or even Zinedine Zidane being floated as potential replacements.
A Glimpse of Brazil’s Bright Future
While Carlo Ancelotti’s exit from Real Madrid will surely be a momentous event, it also marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career. Brazil’s national team has long been a force to be reckoned with in world football, but since their last World Cup triumph in 2002, they have struggled to recapture their former glory. With Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, Brazil will look to rebuild and reassert their dominance on the international stage.
The Brazilian squad is brimming with talent, and the experienced Carlo Ancelotti will bring much-needed stability to a team that has seen its fair share of ups and downs. His leadership could be the key to unlocking Brazil’s potential and guiding them back to the top of the footballing world.
Conclusion: A New Era for Both Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave Real Madrid and take over as Brazil’s national team manager marks the end of an era at the Santiago Bernabeu, but it also signals the start of an exciting new challenge for the Italian tactician. While his departure is sure to leave a void at Madrid, the club’s ability to bounce back and find a fitting successor will be pivotal to their future success.
As for Brazil, they are in safe hands with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm. The Italian manager’s experience, tactical flexibility, and calmness under pressure make him the perfect candidate to guide the Seleção into the next phase of international football. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Brazil will be looking to Carlo Ancelotti to lead them back to the top and restore their place among the world’s elite footballing nations.
