MBABANE – Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti will step down after the club’s final La Liga match of the season on May 25, making way for a new chapter as head coach of the Brazilian national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Ancelotti, 65, will officially begin his role with Brazil on May 26, the day after Madrid face Real Sociedad. The Italian coach, who has spent four seasons in his second spell at the Santiago Bernabéu, is ending his tenure with 15 major titles, including three UEFA Champions League crowns and two La Liga trophies.
The decision comes after a difficult and trophyless campaign for Los Blancos, who are currently second in the Spanish league behind arch-rivals Barcelona. His departure, despite a year remaining on his contract, is understood to have been in the works for some time.
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed that Ancelotti will oversee the team’s World Cup qualification matches next month against Ecuador and Paraguay. With the 2026 World Cup set to be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Brazil is banking on Ancelotti’s vast experience at the top level to guide them toward a sixth title.
Meanwhile, former Real Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Ancelotti. Although Madrid has not formally announced his appointment, the 43-year-old Spaniard has already confirmed his exit from the German club at the end of the season.
Alonso, who took charge of Leverkusen in October 2022, transformed a struggling side into Bundesliga champions in 2024, completing an undefeated league season and winning the DFB-Pokal. Under his leadership, Leverkusen also reached the UEFA Europa League final and claimed the DFL-Supercup.
Having played under Ancelotti at both Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Alonso now prepares to follow in the footsteps of his former mentor, potentially returning to Madrid in time for the FIFA Club World Cup later this year.
Ancelotti coached his 350th game for Madrid in a recent 4-3 defeat to Barcelona. His overall record across two terms includes 247 wins, 53 draws, and 50 losses, making him one of the most successful managers in the club’s history.
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