 "Carlo Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid runs till the end of the 2025-26 season. Image: AP")
It looks like Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid is finally coming to an end. After a season full of ups and downs, reports suggest the Italian manager will leave the Spanish club once the current La Liga season finishes and will take over as the head coach of the Brazilian national team.
Ancelotti has been with Madrid for two spells and has achieved a lot, including winning the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles. However, this season hasn’t gone well for the 65-year-old. Madrid got knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal and lost the Copa del Rey to Barcelona in a thrilling final.
The team also struggled in the league, and it now seems that both the club and the coach feel it’s time for a change.
Ancelotti all set to become Brazil’s head coach
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti has already reached an agreement with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). He is expected to officially become Brazil’s new manager in the first week of June, right after he leaves Real Madrid. His contract will be until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and there is even an option to stay longer if things go well.
Reports also suggest that Ancelotti will earn around €10 million (Rs 96 crore) a year, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in international football. Brazil are in need of a strong leader after firing Dorival Junior in March following a heavy 4-1 loss to rivals Argentina. Currently, they are fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying table, below Argentina, Ecuador, and Uruguay.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti is already familiar with some of Brazil’s top players, who are expected to play until the next World Cup. At Madrid, he has coached Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo, who are important players for Brazil’s national team too.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, will soon have to find a new manager. Former Madrid player Xabi Alonso is the favorite to take over, but reportedly the club is also in talks with Jurgen Klopp. A final decision is expected soon.