Carlo Ancelotti and Real Madrid will part ways after this season, as confirmed by Los Blancos. The disappointing results this season led to the departure of the successful coach, who won the Champions League three times with the club. His contract in Madrid was set to run until mid-2026.
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Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will leave his role as head coach at the end of the current season.
The news marks the end of an iconic chapter in the club's illustrious history, as Ancelotti prepares to step down after guiding the team through six memorable seasons filled with triumph, transformation, and unforgettable moments.
Despite high expectations fueled by the blockbuster arrival of French superstar Kylian Mbappé last summer, the 2024–25 season has ultimately fallen short of Real Madrid’s lofty standards. Ancelotti, whose contract was originally set to expire in mid-2026, agreed with the club's leadership that the time had come for a new direction. The announcement follows a campaign in which Real Madrid failed to secure a single major trophy an outcome that, while rare under Ancelotti’s stewardship, proved decisive.
In a heartfelt statement released by the club, Real Madrid expressed their deepest gratitude to Ancelotti, hailing his immense influence on the club’s recent history:
"Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest legends of Real Madrid and of world football. Under his leadership, we have experienced one of the most successful periods in our 123-year history. He is the coach with the most titles in our club’s history, and his legacy will live on forever at the Santiago Bernabéu."
Ancelotti’s tenure with Los Blancos will be remembered as one of extraordinary success. Since his first stint began in 2013, the Italian tactician has won no fewer than sixteen major trophies with the club. These include three UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, two Copa del Rey triumphs, three UEFA Super Cups, three FIFA Club World Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups. No other manager in the club’s rich history has matched this tally.
In addition to his impressive silverware haul, Ancelotti will be remembered for his calm demeanor, tactical intelligence, and unique ability to manage high-profile stars while maintaining a united and focused squad. His leadership helped Real Madrid maintain their position among the elite clubs of Europe, even during times of transition and fierce competition.
However, the 2024–25 season proved to be unusually turbulent. Despite Mbappé’s individual brilliance scoring 40 goals across all competitions the team as a whole struggled to meet expectations. Real Madrid suffered a painful defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, exited the Champions League at the quarterfinal stage against a resilient Arsenal side, and finished second in La Liga, once again behind eternal rivals Barcelona.
The failure to lift silverware was a bitter disappointment for the fans and the club hierarchy, particularly after the substantial investments made to strengthen the squad. While Ancelotti remained widely respected, the consensus grew that a fresh start might be necessary to reinvigorate the team and fully capitalize on the talent at its disposal.
Ancelotti’s final match in charge at the Santiago Bernabéu will take place this Saturday, May 24, when Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in the final La Liga fixture of the season, kicking off at 16:15 local time. The occasion is expected to be an emotional farewell, with fans, players, and club legends likely to pay tribute to the departing manager.
Club president Florentino Pérez also shared a personal message of admiration for Ancelotti:
"Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the Real Madrid family. We are proud to have had such an extraordinary coach lead us through one of our most successful eras. He has brought us trophies, stability, and above all, he has embodied the values of Real Madrid in every way."
As speculation begins to swirl around who might take over the reins at Real Madrid names like Xabi Alonso, Zinedine Zidane, and even Julian Nagelsmann have been mentioned one thing is clear: replacing Ancelotti will be no easy task. His calm leadership, tactical excellence, and human touch have earned him admiration not only in Madrid but throughout the football world.
Carlo Ancelotti leaves behind not only a cabinet full of trophies but also a legacy of dignity, excellence, and respect. Whether he chooses to retire, return to club football elsewhere, or perhaps explore international management, his contribution to Real Madrid will remain unmatched for generations to come.
Updated: 11:41, 23 May 2025
