Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed he will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season and become Brazil manager, saying it was “the right time” for a change.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Real Mallorca, the Italian tactician made his future official, even as the club itself has yet to issue a statement.
“Real Madrid will announce it when they feel the time is right,” Ancelotti said on Tuesday. “There’s no problem there. Until May 26, I’m still the coach. I want to finish this adventure in the best way possible.”
Ancelotti’s confirmation ends months of speculation and comes after a difficult domestic campaign. Madrid are seven points behind Barcelona following Sunday’s 4–3 defeat in El Clásico, with only three matches remaining. The loss, combined with earlier exits in the Copa del Rey and Champions League, means the club will finish the season without a major trophy.
“I couldn’t be Real Madrid coach forever,” said Ancelotti, who had been under increasing pressure amid the team’s faltering form. “Maybe the club needs fresh impetus. It’s normal-football is like life. Things begin and end.”
While the timing of the announcement raised questions-particularly given that Brazil’s football federation (CBF) confirmed his appointment before Madrid had commented-Ancelotti refused to be drawn into controversy.
“Everyone can act how they want. I don’t feel uncomfortable,” he said. “If I didn’t have to do this press conference today, it would have been a fantastic day. But I respect this shirt, and I’ll stay focused until the end.”
Ancelotti is set to take charge of Brazil on May 26, immediately after Madrid’s LaLiga campaign concludes. The CBF had long made him their top target, with president Ednaldo Rodrigues identifying the four-time Champions League winner as the man to guide a new era for the Seleção.
When asked when he first knew he would leave Madrid, Ancelotti kept it vague: “What I talk about with the club is personal.”
Reports suggest Madrid are moving swiftly to appoint a successor, with former player Xabi Alonso widely expected to return to the Bernabéu after confirming his departure from Bayer Leverkusen. According to ESPN, the club hopes to have Alonso in place before the Club World Cup in the United States next month.
“I have great affection for Xabi,” Ancelotti said. “He has all the tools to be a great coach. He doesn’t need much advice from me.”
Ancelotti’s second stint at Madrid will end with mixed feelings – silverware eluded him this season, but his broader legacy remains intact. His calm leadership style, deep tactical knowledge, and connection with players have earned him widespread respect in both Madrid and the wider footballing world.
As one chapter closes, another opens – for Ancelotti, a historic role leading Brazil into the 2026 World Cup; for Madrid, the beginning of a new era possibly shaped by one of their own.
