REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti weighing up his Real Madrid future
The Italian coach is into his second stint with the Spanish side, and he could well be thinking about what comes next.
Carlo Ancelotti, now 65, is in that serene phase of life where his daily routine drives him with the same passion as when he was a young player fresh off the pitch. His coaching journey began in 1992 as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant with the Italian national team.
For three years, he worked alongside the mastermind behind AC Milan’s golden era—a team with which Ancelotti, as a player, had won two European Cups and enjoyed glory at San Siro. In 1995, he took his first steps as a head coach with Reggiana in his homeland, achieving the dream of promotion to Serie A.
Three decades later, Ancelotti has written a legendary career, becoming the only coach to win five Champions League titles (three with Real Madrid and two with Milan) and the only one to claim league titles in Europe’s five major leagues (Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and England). While others might step aside, Ancelotti remains steadfast. He celebrated his 300th game as Real Madrid’s manager, a feat he calls “almost a miracle.”
Despite his storied career and a settled life, Ancelotti hasn’t set an expiration date on his coaching career and doesn’t rule out continuing beyond 2026, when his current contract with Madrid ends. Florentino Pérez, who renewed Ancelotti’s contract nearly a year ago without waiting for end-of-season results (a rarity for him), is delighted with the Italian’s leadership.
Ancelotti’s tactical and human management has created a harmonious staff within the LaLiga club, with his son Davide overseeing tactics and fitness coach Antonio Pintus ensuring the team’s physical preparation is flawless. No more experiments like those with Manuel Pellegrini, Rafa Benítez, or Julen Lopetegui. In Ancelotti, Florentino has found the philosopher’s stone for the Bernabéu bench.
Ancelotti has managed to silence the debates that usually plague Real Madrid managers, who are often consumed by the fanatical demands of a club that expects to win everything year after year, with no room for excuses about injuries or refereeing.
The current situation is ideal for “Carletto,” as he enjoys widespread support from both the fans and the club’s hierarchy. However, Ancelotti knows that in football, only results matter, especially in his line of work. But for now, his heart tells him to keep going. The rock-and-roll of football still calls him, and so Xabi Alonso and Jürgen Klopp will have to wait.