Real Madrid Bids Farewell to Carlo Ancelotti, Calls Him a Legend/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Real Madrid confirmed the departure of head coach Carlo Ancelotti after this weekend’s final La Liga game. Ancelotti, who is set to lead Brazil, departs after a successful second spell with Madrid. The club called him a “true legend” and will honor him during the season finale.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Farewell + Quick Looks
- Real Madrid officially confirms Ancelotti’s exit after four years.
- Ancelotti to coach Brazil, ending his club career on high terms.
- Final home game Saturday will include tributes at Santiago Bernabéu.
- Luka Modric also saying goodbye, alongside the legendary coach.
- Madrid won 10 titles under Ancelotti in two separate stints.
- Club president Pérez hails Ancelotti’s legacy and values.
- Next coach expected to be Xabi Alonso, formerly at Bayer Leverkusen.
- Madrid ends season second, behind La Liga champions Barcelona.
Deep Look
Real Madrid has officially announced that legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club following their final La Liga match this weekend. The long-anticipated confirmation comes ahead of Saturday’s clash with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, which will double as a farewell event for both Ancelotti and long-serving midfielder Luka Modric.
Ancelotti’s departure had been expected since he was unveiled as the future head coach of Brazil’s national team. However, Real Madrid had not made any official comment until now. The Italian tactician still had a year left on his contract but chose to depart on his own terms, with the blessing of both the club and its fans.
“I’m an emotional guy, just like my father and grandfather were,” said Ancelotti, 65. “It’s going to be a special day and I’ll be sharing it with Modric, who has been a wonderful support for me. He’s a fantastic player and a legend. I think it’s beautiful to say goodbye alongside him.”
Ancelotti’s second stint in charge of Madrid was filled with silverware and sentiment. Since rejoining the club in 2021, he has added a Champions League title, a La Liga championship, multiple domestic cups, and international trophies to his already impressive résumé. Including his earlier tenure from 2013 to 2015, Ancelotti guided Madrid to over 350 matches and captured a total of 10 major titles across both stints.
“I’m honored to have had the chance to coach this club and become part of its history,” Ancelotti reflected. “When I started here back in 2013, my goal was to make history—and I think we’ve done that. The affection I feel for this club is immense, and I leave with that same love returned to me.”
Ancelotti emphasized that he turned down other club opportunities to avoid betraying Real Madrid, instead choosing to embark on a national team adventure with Brazil. “It’s a huge challenge, and I’m relishing the chance to prepare for a World Cup with Brazil. It’s a really beautiful period for me,” he said.
The move also clears the path for Real Madrid to appoint its next head coach. Xabi Alonso, who recently announced his departure from Bayer Leverkusen, is widely expected to return to Madrid in a managerial capacity. Alonso is a former Real Madrid player and has gained recognition for his coaching acumen in the Bundesliga.
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez praised Ancelotti’s contributions and character, saying, “Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great madridista family. We feel incredibly honored to have enjoyed such success with him, and to have had a coach who embodied our club’s values.”
The club released an emotional statement lauding Ancelotti as a “true legend of both Real Madrid and world football,” expressing gratitude for his leadership and accomplishments.
Saturday’s match will also feature tributes to Luka Modric, another iconic figure in Madrid’s modern era. The Croatian midfielder, who has spent over a decade at the club, will join Ancelotti in bidding farewell to the Bernabéu crowd.
Despite winning the UEFA Super Cup to start the 2024–25 campaign, Madrid’s season has faltered. The club will finish second in La Liga, behind rivals Barcelona, and failed to win any of their four matches against the Catalan side. Many fans criticized Ancelotti for losing control of the squad in key moments and falling short in el Clásico encounters.
Yet, the enduring legacy of Ancelotti remains intact. With three Champions League titles, multiple domestic honors, and his trademark calm demeanor, he leaves Real Madrid not only as a decorated coach but as a beloved figure in the club’s storied history.
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