Real Madrid Confirm Carlo Ancelotti’s Departure as He Prepares to Take Over Brazil

Real Madrid have officially confirmed that Carlo Ancelotti will leave the club after their final match of the season against Real Sociedad. The Italian is set to become the new head coach of the Brazilian national team.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Real Madrid issued an official statement today confirming that Carlo Ancelotti will depart the club after their final La Liga match against Real Sociedad. The club have planned a special farewell ceremony for the manager following the game. Ancelotti’s exit comes after a disappointing season during which, while they won the Club World Cup, Madrid were eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals, lost to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, and were floored by four Clásico defeats in La Liga, effectively ending their title hopes.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Ancelotti will make history as Brazil‘s first-ever foreign coach when he officially takes charge on May 26, 2025. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) had been eager to secure a coach ahead of June’s World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. Despite the disappointing end to his Madrid tenure, Ancelotti leaves as one of the most successful coaches in Real Madrid’s history, having won three Champions League trophies and two La Liga titles across his two spells with the club.

WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?

According to leaked information, Ancelotti has already submitted a provisional 50-man squad list from which a 23-man final roster will be shortlisted. The most surprising inclusion appears to be Neymar, who is set for an emotional return to the national team after being sidelined for months with injury. Other notable names likely to make the cut are Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo, as well as youngster Endrick, and Barcelona winger Raphinha, who has scored five goals against Los Blancos in El Clasico matches this season.

ANCELOTTI’S NEW PROJECT

First-choice goalkeeper Alisson and senior pros like Marquinhos, Eder Militao and Bruno Guimaraes are also likely to feature in Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad. Young talents such as Gabriel Martinelli and Joao Pedro are also set to be included in friendly matches against Portugal and Morocco in June as they aim to establish themselves in the side that will compete in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which begin next March.