Carlo Ancelotti will leave Real Madrid at the end of the month to take over as Brazil coach, multiple reports said on Monday, paving the way for Xabi Alonso to step into the hot seat at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti, 65, who has had rumours swirling about his future with Los Blancos in recent months, leaves after winning two LaLiga titles, two Copa del Rey titles, as well as two Champions Leagues during his second spell at the club.
All in all, the Italian won 15 trophies as Real Madrid manager.
Ancelotti’s future is already mapped out. ‘Don Carlo’, according to multiple reports, will be taking over the Brazilian national football team to lead them into the World Cup in 2026, a contract that is expected to start on May 28th following the end of Madrid’s domestic campaign.
He will become the first ever Italian to manage the national side.
The man behind getting the former Chelsea and Everton boss to Brazil, CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues, said in a statement: “Bringing Carlo Ancelotti in charge of Brazil is more than a strategic decision. It is a statement to the world of our determination to regain the top spot…
“He is the best coach in history, and now he is leading the best national team on the planet. Together, we will write new glorious chapters for Brazilian football.”
Ancelotti is expected to lead the side into the World Cup – taking place in the US, Canada and Mexico next summer – with the contract set to expire once the tournament has ended.
Alonso set for Real
With the post at the Bernabeu now vacated, Alonso is widely reported to be taking over, signing a three-year deal in the coming weeks, which is likely to see the Spaniard taking charge of their Club World Cup campaign in June.
His current side, Bayer Leverkusen, announced last week that Alonso would be leaving at the end of the 2024-2025 season, having won them their first Bundesliga title last year.
The former midfielder played under Ancelotti during the Italian’s first spell in the Spanish capital, where they won a Champions League together, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid in the final, although Alonso played no part in the game.
