Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid have finalized a verbal agreement that will end the Italian coach’s latest spell at the Santiago Bernabeu. As he prepares to step into the role of Brazil’s national team manager, Ancelotti will soon bid farewell to a club where he built a legendary legacy. With formalities nearing completion, both parties are gearing up for a public confirmation before the La Liga season concludes.
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Ancelotti and Madrid Resolve Final Contract Details
After weeks of intensive negotiations, Ancelotti and Real Madrid have ironed out the final terms of his departure. Initially, the 65-year-old signed an extension in December 2023 that would have kept him at the club until 2026. However, after The Athletic reported on April 27 that he planned to join Brazil, both sides entered detailed talks to settle the financial terms of the remaining contract period.
Eventually, Ancelotti secured a verbal agreement with the club, which now awaits an official announcement. According to insiders, Madrid may deliver the confirmation shortly after this Sunday’s high-stakes Clasico against Barcelona.
Brazil Moves Closer to Landing Long-Awaited Coach
Meanwhile, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has remained persistent in its pursuit of Ancelotti. Since March, the CBF has engaged in multiple rounds of discussions with him, describing him as “the president’s (Ednaldo Rodrigues’) dream.” On April 28, Ancelotti even met CBF officials in London with the intent of signing the contract. However, he needed to resolve his situation with Madrid first, which delayed the move.
Now that the exit agreement is in place, Ancelotti is expected to sign the Brazil contract soon. His appointment will allow him to take charge in time for June’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. The Brazilian federation also considered Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus, but ultimately prioritized Ancelotti’s experience and proven success on the world stage.
Xabi Alonso Leads Real Madrid’s Replacement List
As Ancelotti prepares for a fresh start, Real Madrid has already begun evaluating successors. Club executives have identified Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso as the top candidate to lead the squad forward. The former Madrid midfielder has impressed this season and maintains strong ties to the club.
Additionally, Real Madrid has reviewed internal options. Santiago Solari, the club’s current director of football, stands ahead of Castilla boss Raul Gonzalez and Juvenil A coach Alvaro Arbeloa in the pecking order. With the FIFA Club World Cup approaching, Madrid plans to finalize a decision swiftly.
Ancelotti Rejects Other Offers in Favor of Brazil Project
Although Ancelotti attracted serious interest from Saudi Arabian clubs, he ultimately prioritized the opportunity to lead Brazil. Furthermore, Real Madrid had offered him the chance to remain in a non-coaching role, as outlined in his 2023 extension. Yet, the allure of managing Brazil—especially with a squad brimming with elite talent—proved too compelling to ignore. Ancelotti now aims to guide the Seleção through a transformative era and restore the nation’s dominance on the global stage.
Real Madrid Prepares to Honor Its Most Decorated Coach
During his second stint, which began in 2021, Ancelotti added significantly to his glittering résumé. He secured two La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns across his two terms, amassing a record 15 major trophies and becoming the most decorated manager in Real Madrid history.
Despite recent disappointments—including a Champions League quarter-final exit to Arsenal and a Copa del Rey final loss to Barcelona—Ancelotti remains a beloved figure. Currently trailing Barcelona by four points with four league matches left, Madrid hopes to give Ancelotti a memorable send-off, beginning with Sunday’s crucial Clasico.
Carlo Ancelotti’s impending departure marks the end of a golden era for Real Madrid and the beginning of a thrilling chapter with Brazil. While Madrid prepares for life after its most successful coach, Brazil eagerly anticipates the leadership of a manager who knows how to win. With transition plans in motion and formalities nearly complete, the football world now watches as one legend moves from club dominance to international ambitions.
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FAQs
Carlo Ancelotti is leaving Real Madrid after reaching a verbal agreement to become Brazil’s head coach through the 2026 World Cup.
Real Madrid is expected to officially confirm Ancelotti’s departure before the end of the current La Liga season.
Real Madrid prefers Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso as Ancelotti’s successor, with Santiago Solari also under consideration.
Ancelotti is expected to sign his Brazil contract soon and take charge for June’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
Ancelotti won 15 major titles at Real Madrid, including two La Liga crowns and three Champions League trophies, becoming the club’s most decorated coach.
