Real Madrid confirm manager Carlo Ancelotti's departure ahead of Club World Cup, Xabi Alonso to take over after leaving Bayer Leverkusen
Updated 23/05/2025 at 13:45 GMT+1
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Real Madrid have confirmed that manager Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club after the last La Liga game of the season, but before the FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Ancelotti will take over as the Brazil national team manager ahead of the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Meanwhile, Xabi Alonso is expected to take over as Real boss ahead of the Club World Cup in June, and Ancelotti confirmed as much.
Carlo Ancelotti, en la rueda de prensa previa al Real Madrid-Sevilla
Image credit: Getty Images
Real Madrid have confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club after their last game of the season against Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Ancelotti lifted 15 titles across two spells and six seasons at the club, a tally that includes three UEFA Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles and two Copa del Rey crowns.
The 65-year-old, who had a year remaining on his contract at the Bernabeu, will take over as Brazil boss on May 26, as confirmed by the Brazilian Football Federation a fortnight ago.
Xabi Alonso, who publicly revealed that he would not be continuing as Bayer Leverkusen manager last Friday, is widely expected to take over from Ancelotti as Real boss on June 1 in time for the FIFA Club World Cup.
A club statement on Friday read: "Real Madrid C. F. and Carlo Ancelotti have reached an agreement to end his time as Real Madrid coach. Our club would like to express its gratitude and affection to one of the great legends of Real Madrid and world football.
"Carlo Ancelotti has led our team through one of the most successful periods in our 123 years of existence and has become the coach with the most titles in our history: Three European Cups, three Club World Cups, three European Super Cups, two leagues, two Copa del Reys and two Spanish Super Cups. In total, 15 titles during the six seasons in which he has belonged to our club."
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On the Italian's departure, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez added: "Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great Madridista family.
"We feel incredibly honoured to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion."
Ancelotti is replacing Dorival Junior as Brazil head coach, with the Selecao still licking their wounds after a humbling 4-1 World Cup qualifying defeat to Argentina in March.
The result left the five-time world champions languishing in fourth in the qualification standings on 21 points, ten points adrift of leaders Argentina with four matches remaining.
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"Today we part ways again. Once again I take in my heart every moment lived in this wonderful second spell as Real Madrid coach," Ancelotti said in a post on social media.
"They have been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, titles and, above all, the pride of representing this badge.
"Thanks to the president Florentino Perez, to the club, to my players, to my staff and, above all, to this unique fan base that has always made me feel like one of them.
"What we have achieved together will remain forever in the memory of Real Madrid fans, not only for the triumphs, but for the way we achieved them. The magical nights of the Bernabeu are now football history.
"Now a new adventure begins, but my bond with Real Madrid is eternal. See you soon Madridistas."
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Ancelotti confirms Alonso as successor
In his final press conference, Ancelotti admitted that leaving Real was "emotional", while he wished his likely successor Alonso "the best of luck".
Ancelotti said: "What's happening to me these days is very emotional. I'm not sad, not at all. I'm very happy. It's the end of a very important phase in my journey in which I've tried to do my best for this club. And we got it, so we leave happy, content, knowing that this day was going to come sooner or later.
"I'm very happy to have the chance not to betray Real Madrid with some other club, but to go to the [Brazil] national team with the greatest history in football - five times world champions. It obviously makes me excited, it's a great challenge, and I love having the opportunity to prepare for the World Cup with Brazil."
He added: "Managing Real Madrid is a privilege. It was for the managers that were here before me and it will be for the managers that will come after, starting with Xabi [Alonso]. I wish him the best of luck. He's got the skills to manage this club, this team. He should enjoy it."
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