Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear—he doesn’t plan on managing any other club after he leaves Real Madrid, as he gets ready to take charge of the Brazil national team. Earlier this month, Brazil confirmed that the Italian manager will take over once the LaLiga season wraps up. His final home game will be this Saturday against Real Sociedad.

Ancelotti is saying goodbye to the Santiago Bernabéu as the most successful coach in the club’s history, with 15 trophies across his two stints in charge. He was also the first manager to win league titles in all five of Europe’s top leagues, a feat he completed with LaLiga in the 2021–22 season.

A record that cements his legacy

He also holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in LaLiga history—42 games without a loss between September 2023 and October 2024 (31 wins and 11 draws). When asked if he’d like to return to Real Madrid someday, he said: "I really don’t know. I haven’t felt the urge to coach another club—not after Madrid. That’s what I said, and I still mean it. What’ll happen in the future? No clue. But for now, I’m fully focused on doing well with Brazil.”

He added: "I’m super excited about this opportunity. I’m not betraying Madrid by signing with another club, and at the same time I’m taking over the most historic national team—the five-time world champs. It’s a huge challenge, but getting to prepare for a World Cup with Brazil really fires me up."

Emotional farewell

In an Instagram post, the coach left a heartfelt message: "Once again, we part ways. Once again, I leave with every moment of this amazing second spell at Real Madrid etched in my heart. It’s been an unforgettable ride—so many emotions, so many trophies, and above all, the pride of representing this badge."

"Thanks to president Florentino Pérez, the club, my players, my staff, and above all, the fans—this one-of-a-kind fanbase that always made me feel at home. What we achieved together will live on in the club’s memory—not just the titles, but how we earned them. Those magical nights at the Bernabéu are now part of football history." "Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal."

Records and transition

Under contract with Brazil until June 2026, Ancelotti has won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid. In total, he’s got five to his name—more than any other manager—and he’s the only one to coach in six finals. Even with his legacy intact, Madrid will finish the season without silverware, having lost LaLiga to Barcelona, who also beat them in the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de España finals.

According to reports, Xabi Alonso, currently managing Bayer Leverkusen, is the top candidate to take over. The plan is to finalize things before the Club World Cup, which kicks off on June 15, though nothing’s been officially announced yet.

When asked about his former player, Ancelotti kept it short and sweet: “Everyone’s got their own style, but I hope he enjoys his time in Madrid. Xabi Alonso will be first in line, and I wish him the best. He’s got what it takes to coach Real Madrid. I hope he enjoys it.”

Modric is also saying goodbye

The match against Real Sociedad will also be Luka Modrić’s last at the Bernabéu. At 39, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner—and the club’s most decorated player—is leaving after the Club World Cup.

"I’m a pretty emotional guy. It’s going to be a special day. If I cry, so be it," said Ancelotti.
"It’ll be beautiful—and sharing it with Modrić, who’s been such a rock for me in this chapter at Madrid… just a fantastic person, a true legend. Saying goodbye alongside him makes it even more meaningful."