In the world of football, few managerial names carry as much weight and respect as Carlo Ancelotti. Over the past decade, his managerial career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with some of the biggest clubs in Europe benefiting from his expertise. But even the most experienced of coaches find themselves in the hot seat eventually, and Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion as the 2024/25 season continues to deliver mixed results.
Ancelotti, who signed a contract with Real Madrid until 2026, has undoubtedly had a remarkable run at the club, but recent performances have led to questions about whether his reign will continue beyond the end of this season. With the Brazil national team job constantly linked to him, the Italian’s future has become a subject of gossip, speculation, and, at times, controversy. Let’s take a closer look at the current situation surrounding Ancelotti, his time at Real Madrid, and the future of one of the most successful managers in the history of football.
A Successful but Inconsistent Era at Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid has been mostly defined by success, with two major trophies in the 2022/23 season—a La Liga title and a Champions League victory. The latter was particularly notable, marking Real Madrid’s 15th European Cup win, further cementing the club’s position as the most successful in the history of the competition. Under Ancelotti, Madrid’s players have thrived, with stars like Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, and Vinícius Júnior playing some of the best football of their careers.
However, despite these accomplishments, the current season has proven to be more challenging for the Italian manager. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer was expected to bolster an already star-studded lineup. On paper, it was supposed to make Real Madrid an even more formidable force in La Liga and Europe. Yet, despite the flashy new signing, Madrid has struggled with consistency this term.
With 11 losses in all competitions, including five defeats in the Champions League, the cracks are starting to show. Their most recent setback was a crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter-final clash in Europe. As of now, Real Madrid sits second in La Liga, trailing Barcelona by a significant seven-point gap. While Barcelona’s rise under Hansi Flick has impressed many, Ancelotti’s side has often looked disjointed, lacking the fluidity and cutting edge that defined their previous campaigns.
“I Shouldn’t Talk About My Future” – Ancelotti’s Statement on His Real Madrid Tenure
Ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming fixture against Alaves, Ancelotti addressed the mounting speculation about his future. “I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear,” he said, firmly pushing aside questions about his next steps. “Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”
The Italian’s response was typically composed and measured, yet his words carry weight. With his contract lasting until 2026, Ancelotti seems confident that his future at the club will be decided based on the overall picture, likely taking into account both domestic and international results. However, in a world where managers are constantly under scrutiny, even a few bad results can lead to a change in direction. For Ancelotti, his ability to keep his cool in the face of such questions has been one of his most admirable qualities throughout his illustrious career.
It’s also clear that despite the internal support from the club, there are whispers of external pressure. Fans and pundits alike have questioned whether Ancelotti can continue to lead the team in the same way he has over the past seasons. The inconsistencies on the pitch have certainly affected the overall mood around the club, especially with Barcelona now seeming to have the upper hand in the league.
Brazil National Team Job Still a Possibility?
The speculation about Ancelotti’s potential move to the Brazil national team has been a fixture in football gossip columns for some time. The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has been linked with the Italian ever since the dismissal of previous head coach Tite after Brazil’s exit from the 2022 World Cup. Ancelotti has long been a candidate for the role, and for a while, it seemed like a matter of when, rather than if, he would take over the national team.
However, recent reports suggest that Brazil’s interest in Ancelotti may have cooled. Spanish outlet SPORT reported that Brazil has now shifted their attention towards Jorge Jesus, the current manager of Al Hilal. The Portuguese tactician has been making waves in Saudi Arabia, with some seeing him as a strong candidate for the Brazil job. As it stands, Ancelotti has yet to express an official interest in leaving Madrid for the national team, but these rumors continue to swirl. Whether the Brazil job remains an option for him depends largely on the trajectory of both his tenure at Real Madrid and his own personal ambitions.
Ancelotti, despite his overwhelming success at the club level, has never managed a national team before. While the idea of leading Brazil—a team rich with talent and history—might be appealing, the timing and circumstances might not be right at this juncture. Real Madrid is still a massive club with global ambitions, and Ancelotti has often said that he is more than happy to continue his journey at the Bernabéu as long as the club is supportive of him.
Xabi Alonso: A Potential Successor?
Another name that has been consistently mentioned as a possible successor to Ancelotti is Xabi Alonso. The former Real Madrid midfield maestro has been making a name for himself as a manager, particularly with Bayer Leverkusen. Under his stewardship, Leverkusen won their first-ever Bundesliga title, an impressive feat for a team that had been largely overshadowed by Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in recent years.
Xabi Alonso’s tactical acumen and calm demeanor on the sideline have earned him praise, and many see him as a future star in management. There is no doubt that Alonso is well-regarded at the Santiago Bernabéu, and the thought of a potential return to the club to manage could be tantalizing. However, according to Leverkusen’s CEO Fernando Carro, Alonso is “comfortable” in Germany and has shown no indication that he is looking to leave anytime soon. With Leverkusen continuing to compete at a high level, Alonso’s priority will likely be to continue developing his managerial career in the Bundesliga before potentially taking on a challenge like Real Madrid.
While Alonso may one day be a candidate to return to Madrid, it is far from certain that he will be the man to replace Ancelotti if and when the time comes. For now, his focus remains firmly on Leverkusen, and the prospect of a return to the Spanish capital is not something on the horizon.
Ancelotti’s Impressive CV: No Matter What Happens
If Carlo Ancelotti does indeed part ways with Real Madrid, he will leave behind a legacy that very few can rival. As the most successful manager in Champions League history, Ancelotti has lifted the prestigious trophy five times—three times with Real Madrid (2014, 2022) and twice with AC Milan (2003, 2007). His track record includes league titles in Italy, England, Germany, and France, making him one of the most decorated managers in football history.
Ancelotti’s managerial career spans some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and now Real Madrid. Across all these teams, he has brought his calm, measured approach to the touchline, guiding some of the world’s best players to the pinnacle of club football. His record speaks for itself, and should he leave Madrid, it’s safe to say that he would be sought after by top clubs and national teams around the world.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on the present. Whether he continues at Real Madrid or decides to take up another challenge, there’s little doubt that his legacy will endure for years to come.
Conclusion: The Uncertain Future of Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is one of the most talked-about topics in football today. With his contract running until 2026 and a distinguished managerial career behind him, it’s clear that Ancelotti remains a highly respected figure in the world of football. But with the team’s current struggles and Brazil’s interest in his services, the coming months could prove pivotal in deciding his next steps.
Whether he stays at Real Madrid or moves on to new challenges, one thing is certain: Carlo Ancelotti’s impact on the football world will be felt for many years to come.
