Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti have made one thing clear: no matter how the season ends, their story will wrap up with mutual respect, gratitude, and a promise to cross paths again in the future.
Ancelotti is poised to step away from the Santiago Bernabéu dugout and take charge of the Brazilian national team, a move that will soon become official. Real Madrid won’t stand in his way. In fact, the club is already preparing for life after Ancelotti, but not without ensuring that the Italian leaves through the front door — head held high.
The first signs of Ancelotti’s influence in Brazil could be seen as early as May 18, when the Seleção announces its squad for the June friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay. Though he won’t be on the sidelines just yet, his fingerprints will be all over the team.
A Legend’s Goodbye
Ancelotti’s departure isn’t seen as a split but more like a see-you-later. Florentino Pérez and the Real Madrid board want to give Carletto the kind of send-off a 15-title-winning coach deserves. Talks are already underway for Ancelotti to become a lifelong ambassador for the club once he eventually retires from coaching. The respect he commands in Madrid — and across world football — makes him the perfect face for Los Blancos globally.
Under his current deal, Ancelotti is tied to Madrid until 2026 with a salary of €11 million gross per year, making him one of the top earners among coaches. However, there’s a sense that an amicable agreement could be reached, allowing him to walk away without needing to squeeze every euro out of his contract. It’s a typical Ancelotti move — respectful and loyal to the end.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid has already set its sights on the future, with Xabi Alonso heavily tipped to be the next man in charge.
A Gentleman’s Agreement
The bond between Ancelotti and the Madrid hierarchy, particularly Florentino Pérez and José Ángel Sánchez, runs deep. That’s why the club was never going to rush into an abrupt dismissal, even after painful Champions League and Copa del Rey exits. Carletto will stay in charge until the final whistle of the La Liga season, leading the team in their last five games.
The season finale at the Santiago Bernabéu against Real Sociedad promises to be a night packed with emotion. Plans are in place for a tribute to Ancelotti, where he will be celebrated alongside the trophies he’s won across two remarkable spells (2013–2015 and 2021–2025). Even Real Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil will be saying his own goodbyes that evening, adding another layer of emotion to an unforgettable night.
A Bridge to Brazil — and Back Again
Ancelotti’s move to Brazil won’t cut his ties to Madrid completely. With Brazilian stars like Éder Militão, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, and future signing Endrick under his watch, he’ll maintain regular contact with Madrid’s coaching staff to monitor their progress and manage schedules. Valdebebas and the Bernabéu will remain regular stops for Carletto.
Once his coaching days are over, Ancelotti’s role as a Real Madrid ambassador will become official — particularly in key markets like Italy, North America, and Brazil, where his influence is enormous.
At 66, Ancelotti still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Brazil is preparing a long-term offer, potentially keeping him at the helm through 2028 or even 2030. But true to form, the Italian prefers to take things one season at a time.
For now, Ancelotti remains focused on the task at hand: guiding Madrid through the final stretch of the season, starting with Sunday’s clash against Celta Vigo.
Because while this chapter is closing, the story of Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid is far from over.
