Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti part ways after 15 titles and six seasons

Real Madrid have confirmed that manager Carlo Ancelotti will step down following their final La Liga fixture of the season, ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup.

The 65-year-old Italian will become the new head coach of the Brazil national team on May 26, as previously announced by the Brazilian Football Federation, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Ancelotti will bid farewell to the Santiago Bernabéu after Real’s match against Real Sociedad on May 24. During his two spells in charge — spanning six seasons — he guided the club to an unprecedented 15 major titles, becoming the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s 123-year history. His silverware includes three UEFA Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, three Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups.

In a statement released on May 23, the club said:

“Real Madrid C.F. and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to end his time as Real Madrid coach. Our club would like to express its gratitude and affection to one of the great legends of Real Madrid and world football.
Carlo Ancelotti has led our team through one of the most successful periods in our 123 years of existence and has become the coach with the most titles in our history.”

Club president Florentino Pérez paid tribute, stating:

“Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great Madridista family. We feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion.”

Ancelotti’s next chapter begins with Brazil, who are seeking redemption after a heavy 4–1 loss to Argentina in March’s World Cup qualifiers. That result left the five-time world champions in fourth place, trailing Argentina by 10 points with only four matches remaining.

Taking his place in Madrid is widely expected to be Xabi Alonso, the former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen boss. Alonso recently announced that he would not continue at Leverkusen beyond this season, after leading them to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title. He is anticipated to begin his tenure at Real on June 1, just before the Club World Cup.

Ancelotti addressed fans in a heartfelt farewell message on social media:

“Today we part ways again. Once again I take in my heart every moment lived in this wonderful second spell as Real Madrid coach. They have been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, titles and, above all, the pride of representing this badge.
Thanks to the president Florentino Pérez, to the club, to my players, to my staff and, above all, to this unique fan base that has always made me feel like one of them.
What we have achieved together will remain forever in the memory of Real Madrid fans, not only for the triumphs, but for the way we achieved them. The magical nights of the Bernabéu are now football history.
Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal. See you soon, Madridistas.”

By Tamilla Hasanova