Real Madrid Set to Move on From Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid is nearing its conclusion, with club president Florentino Pérez set to meet the Italian coach in the coming days to finalize his departure, sources have told ESPN.

Despite being under contract until 2026, Ancelotti has been under mounting pressure following a difficult few weeks for the club.

Madrid’s 3-2 extra-time loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday, coming soon after their Champions League exit to Arsenal in the quarterfinals, has heightened uncertainty over the manager’s future. In LaLiga, Madrid trails leaders Barcelona by four points with five matches remaining.

A source familiar with the situation claims that Ancelotti and Pérez are expected to reach a mutual agreement for the coach to step down following Madrid’s final league match of the season against Real Sociedad.

Madrid’s leadership now faces a crucial decision. With the FIFA Club World Cup campaign starting on June 18, there is little time to install a permanent new manager. Names like Santiago Solari, Castilla coach Raúl, and Under-19s boss Álvaro Arbeloa are being considered for a short-term role, while Xabi Alonso has long been touted as a successor to the Italian after his success with Bayer Leverkusen.

Carlo Ancelotti remains one of the most decorated managers in Real Madrid’s history. Across two spells at the Santiago Bernabéu, he has won three Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns, and a host of other trophies for a total of 15 championships.

The Italian is not going to be without a job for long. Discussions between Ancelotti’s representatives and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have also picked up again recently. Brazil has long identified Ancelotti as their preferred candidate to take charge of the national team, and a move appears to be back on the table.

For Ancelotti, a move to international football and the chance to lead Brazil could mark the next chapter of an already storied career, and for Real Madrid, a younger successor could help continue the club’s legacy into the next chapter.