Carlo Ancelotti has bid farewell to Real Madrid as he awaits taking charge of the Brazil national team this summer. In an emotional press conference on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Madrid, the experienced Italian coach looked back at his storied tenure in the club. His last game at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad will also be the conclusion of an era for him and the club.
Ancelotti leaves after two extremely successful spells in charge, totaling six seasons and yielding a staggering 15 titles. These include three Champions League honours with Madrid and two La Liga titles. He became the most successful Champions League-winning coach in football history, having won five in total, having also won two titles with AC Milan.
Xabi Alonso to lead the Galacticos
While Real Madrid has yet to officially name his replacement, Bayer Leverkusen manager and former Madrid favorite Xabi Alonso is the first choice to take over. Alonso’s reputation has soared after managing Leverkusen’s 2024 Bundesliga and German Cup double. Ancelotti wished Alonso all the very best, saying, “He doesn’t need advice; he knows what it takes to succeed here. I wish him nothing but the best.”
Ancelotti also posted an emotional open letter to fans on social media, saying he was deeply grateful to be a part of the club. “These years at Real Madrid have been magical. The pride of wearing this badge and representing this institution will stay with me forever,” he said. He reiterated that his bond with the club would never break even after he left.
Club president Florentino Perez paid tribute to Ancelotti’s contributions, calling him a symbol of the club’s values and success. “Carlo will always be a beloved member of the Madridista family,” Perez noted.
As Ancelotti prepares for a new chapter with Brazil, Real Madrid faces a turning point. The final match will also mark the farewell of legendary midfielder Luka Modric, who is expected to leave after the Club World Cup
