Carlo Ancelotti is set to depart Real Madrid for a second time, leaving behind a legacy as the most decorated manager in Champions League history. After a remarkable second stint with the club, he is now poised to bring his expertise to the international stage with Brazil.
The Italian’s reign at the pinnacle of club football was coming to an end before he moved from Everton back to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.
Carlo Ancelotti showcased that he still possesses the Midas touch by clinching the European Cup for the fourth and fifth time as a manager in 2022 and 2024.
At the age of 65, he clinched his inaugural La Liga title in 2022, achieving the remarkable feat of conquering all of Europe’s top five leagues.
As Zinedine Zidane stepped away from his second tenure at the helm of Madrid, having guided the club to three Champions League victories, Carlo Ancelotti emerged as a reliable choice. His previous success in securing the coveted ‘decima’ title in 2014 positioned him as a steady hand for the challenges ahead.
He exceeded all expectations, earning a notorious reputation among Real fans, as he upheld the club’s dominance as the premier force in Europe.
Los Blancos clinched the La Liga title in Ancelotti’s first season back at the helm, marking a remarkable clean sweep for the seasoned coach. The triumph was further
solidified with a victory over Liverpool in Paris, propelling Ancelotti ahead of legends Zidane and Bob Paisley with an unprecedented fourth Champions League title as a manager.
Real Madrid faced a challenging season, securing only the Copa del Rey and Club World Cup titles. However, the arrival of Jude Bellingham ignited a resurgence, leading to a triumphant La Liga and Champions League double last season.
In a dramatic turn of events, the team has found itself trailing significantly behind Barcelona in the race for the league title. Their hopes were dashed in the Cup final against their fierce rivals, and a quarter-final exit at the hands of Arsenal has all but sealed Ancelotti’s fate.
Following the Copa del Rey defeat, he nearly confirmed the speculation surrounding his future, stating that it would be “a topic for the next weeks.”
The call of Brazil is undeniable.
On Monday, the football world was abuzz with the announcement of Ancelotti’s departure. This is a significant moment as he prepares to become the first foreign coach to take the reins of the Brazil national team since 1965.
The five-time world champions are facing challenges in their quest for the 2026 World Cup qualification, which led to Dorival Junior’s dismissal in March.
In a strategic move, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues held off on appointing a successor following Tite’s exit in 2022, aiming to entice Carlo Ancelotti into the coveted position.
The prolonged wait for Rodrigues to depart Madrid underscores Ancelotti’s remarkable achievements in the Spanish capital.
Dorival took over as head coach in January 2024, but Brazil’s journey to next year’s World Cup in North America has been anything but smooth. The team has faced challenges, recording five defeats and three draws in its 14 qualifying matches to date.
In a surprising twist last month, reports from Brazil indicated that the CBF might struggle to cover Ancelotti’s severance package, opening the door to his possible stepping into the role of head coach for the Saudi Arabian national team.
Those concerns have been put to rest, as Ancelotti is set to lead the Seleção starting on May 26. The team is gearing up for crucial qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.
Rodrigues is counting on Ancelotti to revive Brazil’s status as the dominant powerhouse in international football.
“We’re sending a clear message to the world that our resolve to reclaim the top spot on the podium is unwavering,” exclaimed Rodrigues.
The South American powerhouses have reached the semi-finals just once in the past five World Cups, enduring a staggering 7-1 loss to Germany in 2014.
Brazilian forwards Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes have thrived under Ancelotti’s guidance at Real Madrid, establishing themselves as pivotal figures for the national team.
Centre-back Eder Militao and the rising star Endrick are both showcasing their talents at the iconic Santiago Bernabeu.
Remarkable achievement
Ancelotti is set to touch down in Brazil, bringing with him a resume that stands out in the world of football like few others can claim.
After brief stints with Reggiana, Parma, and Juventus, he joined AC Milan in 2001. By the time he left in 2009, he had etched his name in the club’s history as its longest-serving manager, securing the prestigious Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007.
In 2009, Carlo Ancelotti stepped into the managerial role at Chelsea, leading the team to a remarkable league and FA Cup double. Under his guidance, the Blues made history as the first team in the Premier League era to net over 100 goals in a single season.
Ancelotti clinched the Ligue 1 title with Paris Saint-Germain before making the move to Real Madrid that summer.
Ancelotti garnered the backing and admiration of Real Madrid’s key players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, as they clinched their long-awaited 10th Champions League title.
After a tumultuous season, Madrid president Florentino Perez boldly decided to part ways with Ancelotti, who then took the reins at Bayern Munich. In a stunning turnaround, he quickly led the team to clinch the Bundesliga title in 2017.
After his time at Napoli and Everton, Ancelotti made a stunning return to the top tier with Madrid, where he enjoyed a successful four-year stint that only heightened his appeal in the football world.
