In what has been a remarkable season for Real Madrid, their manager Carlo Ancelotti has achieved an extraordinary milestone. After leading the club to victory in the inaugural Intercontinental Cup final, a 3-0 win over Pachuca, Ancelotti has secured his 15th title as manager of the Spanish giants. This victory not only saw his team triumph on the global stage but also cemented his place in history as the most successful manager in Real Madrid’s storied legacy.
Ancelotti’s achievement surpasses the legendary Miguel Munoz, who amassed 14 trophies during his time at the helm of the club in the 1960s. The Italian coach’s accomplishments include multiple triumphs in some of the world’s most prestigious competitions, with the Champions League standing out as his crowning glory.
In this article, we dive deep into Carlo Ancelotti’s record-breaking achievement, reflecting on his journey, the significance of his triumphs, and his thoughts on the future.
Carlo Ancelotti’s 15th Title: A Historic Achievement
For any manager, lifting trophies is a testament to their tactical acumen and ability to inspire their team. However, to do so consistently over an extended period is what separates the greats from the rest. Carlo Ancelotti’s latest victory in the Intercontinental Cup final brought his personal tally of trophies to 15, surpassing Miguel Munoz’s previous record of 14.
Following Real Madrid’s comprehensive 3-0 win against Pachuca in the final, Ancelotti was visibly elated, his face beaming with pride. The Italian manager has now added another major title to his collection, including Champions League trophies, La Liga titles, Supercopas, and Club World Cups. The achievement comes in what has been an eventful season for Madrid, a club that has grown accustomed to success under his leadership.
“There are a lot of them!” Ancelotti exclaimed, unable to hide his joy. “I am very pleased, very happy. It is a success.” He expressed his satisfaction at closing out the year 2024 in such a spectacular way, but true to form, Ancelotti’s eyes were already on the horizon.
“As always at Real Madrid, now we think about 2025,” Ancelotti added. This reflects his constant focus on the next challenge, a mentality that has been central to his success throughout his career.
The Importance of the Intercontinental Cup Victory
Winning the Intercontinental Cup may not always be seen as the most prestigious trophy in world football, but for Ancelotti, it represented another feather in his cap and a symbolic step in his legacy as a manager of Real Madrid. The victory was particularly poignant as it marked the first time the competition had been restructured under FIFA’s new format, with Pachuca serving as Real Madrid’s opponents in the inaugural final.
The 3-0 victory over Pachuca allowed Ancelotti to continue building on his already impressive record with Madrid, having lifted major trophies such as La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey during his tenure. This latest win underscores his ability to guide his team to success in a variety of competitions and further solidifies his place in Real Madrid’s history as the club’s most successful manager.
Ancelotti’s calm and composed demeanor post-match spoke volumes about his professionalism. While he was clearly thrilled with his achievement, he never lost sight of the bigger picture. For him, each victory is just another step in an ongoing journey at Real Madrid.
Carlo Ancelotti: The Most Successful Manager in Real Madrid’s History
Ancelotti’s 15th title with Real Madrid is a testament to his ability to bring out the best in his players and maintain an atmosphere of excellence at one of the world’s most demanding football clubs. The Italian manager has been at the helm of some of Madrid’s most iconic seasons, achieving unprecedented success both domestically and internationally.
Ancelotti’s influence at Real Madrid has been undeniable, and his track record speaks for itself. He has won the Champions League three times with Madrid (2014, 2022, and 2024), La Liga twice (2021/22 and 2023/24), and the Copa del Rey twice (2013/14 and 2022/23). His triumphs also include multiple Supercopa de Espana victories, UEFA Super Cups, and Club World Cup trophies, highlighting his versatility as a manager.
A defining trait of Ancelotti’s managerial career is his ability to build successful teams across different leagues. He is the only manager to have won the top-flight title in all five of Europe’s major leagues. From Italy’s Serie A to Germany’s Bundesliga and France’s Ligue 1, Ancelotti has demonstrated his tactical brilliance in various footballing environments.
Yet it is at Real Madrid where Ancelotti has truly cemented his legacy. In his two stints with the club, the Italian tactician has proven time and again that he knows how to manage big egos, handle pressure, and deliver when it matters most. His success at Madrid, however, comes as no surprise given the club’s rich history of winning and its immense resources.
“Winning titles at Real Madrid is easier than in other places,” Ancelotti humbly admitted in his post-match remarks. “You have a fantastic club, a fan base that pushes you, and the squad has the best players in the world.” This statement, while modest, underscores the immense privilege of managing at a club like Real Madrid and the responsibility that comes with it.
Ancelotti’s Favorite Titles: The Champions League
When asked which of his 15 titles meant the most to him, Carlo Ancelotti’s answer was not easy to come by. Given the vast array of trophies he has collected during his illustrious career, picking a favorite was a difficult task. However, Ancelotti singled out two Champions League victories that stood out in his career: ‘La Decima’ in 2014 and the triumph in Paris in 2022.
The 2014 Champions League win, which delivered Real Madrid’s 10th European Cup, or ‘La Decima’, was a historic moment for the club. The victory was particularly emotional for Ancelotti, as it fulfilled a long-standing goal of securing Madrid’s 10th Champions League title. It was a triumph that had been years in the making, and for Ancelotti, it felt like a personal achievement as well.
Similarly, the 2022 Champions League final in Paris, where Real Madrid defeated Liverpool to claim their 14th European crown, was another pivotal moment for the coach. For Ancelotti, these two victories hold a special place in his heart, as they represent not only his tactical prowess but also his emotional connection to the club and its supporters.
Real Madrid’s 2024 Season: Challenges and Triumphs
Despite Ancelotti’s record-breaking victory, the current season for Real Madrid has not been without its challenges. While the club has added to its trophy collection, including the UEFA Super Cup and the Intercontinental Cup, their domestic and European performances have been inconsistent.
The arrival of Kylian Mbappé has generated much excitement, but the team has yet to reach its full potential. Injuries to key players have disrupted the squad, making it harder for Madrid to maintain their usual level of performance. Nevertheless, Ancelotti remains optimistic about the team’s future.
“Looking back and seeing that I have won so much, for so many years, makes me happy,” he said, reflecting on his long and successful career. “I am happy. But always keeping in mind what Real Madrid is. A club that demands spectacular concentration. Keep going. More.”
This mindset, which has served Ancelotti well throughout his career, ensures that the veteran coach will continue to strive for more success in the coming years.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid Trophies
Here is a summary of Carlo Ancelotti’s trophies during his two spells at Real Madrid:
- Champions League: 2013/14, 2021/22, 2023/24
- La Liga: 2021/22, 2023/24
- Copa del Rey: 2013/14, 2022/23
- Club World Cup: 2014, 2022
- Intercontinental Cup: 2024
- Supercopa de Espana: 2021/22, 2023/24
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2022, 2024
Conclusion
Carlo Ancelotti has proven time and again why he is regarded as one of the most successful managers in football history. His record-breaking 15th title with Real Madrid has further solidified his legacy at the club, and his humble yet confident approach continues to inspire his players. With the 2024 Intercontinental Cup victory, Ancelotti once again exemplified his ability to deliver success on the biggest stage, adding yet another prestigious trophy to his already impressive collection. As the manager looks ahead to 2025, Real Madrid fans can rest assured that their club is in safe hands under the guidance of a true footballing legend.
