Shock Exit: Ancelotti Abandons Real Madrid For Brazil Role

Carlo Ancelotti’s Shocking Departure from Real Madrid Confirmed

In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through European football, Carlo Ancelotti’s second reign at Real Madrid is coming to an abrupt end. The legendary Italian manager will exit the Spanish giants after this season, trading the prestigious Bernabeu for an even more iconic football role – head coach of the Brazilian national team.

Despite having a contract that runs until 2026, inside sources have revealed to The Athletic that the decision on Ancelotti’s future has already been made. This bombshell comes at a particularly turbulent time for Madrid, following their disappointing 3-2 Copa del Rey final defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona last Saturday.

Recent Struggles Accelerate Madrid Exit

The timing of this revelation is particularly intriguing as it follows a series of setbacks for Los Blancos. Beyond the Copa del Rey disappointment, Ancelotti’s squad was unceremoniously dumped from the Champions League by Arsenal, a competition where Madrid has historically dominated.

In LaLiga, the situation isn’t much brighter. Madrid currently trails Barcelona by four points with just five matches remaining, putting their domestic title hopes in serious jeopardy. These closing fixtures now take on added significance as they’ll serve as Ancelotti’s farewell tour after a rollercoaster second stint at the club.

Perhaps most surprisingly, reports indicate the 65-year-old tactician won’t even guide Madrid during this summer’s Club World Cup – a tournament that would have been his final opportunity to add to his impressive trophy collection with the Spanish powerhouse.

Brazil’s Aggressive Pursuit Finally Pays Off

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has shown remarkable persistence in their courtship of Ancelotti. Diego Fernandes, a key intermediary for the Brazilian FA, was spotted yet again at Saturday’s Copa del Rey final in Sevilla, continuing what has been a months-long recruitment operation.

Fernandes has become a familiar figure in Spain, dedicating considerable time to persuading the Italian to take over the Seleção following the dismissal of Dorival Junior. That sacking came after Brazil’s humiliating 4-1 defeat to Argentina in World Cup qualifying last month – a result that seemingly increased the urgency to secure Ancelotti’s services.

Brazil’s determination is evident in their timeline, as they hope to have Ancelotti in place before critical World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay in June. This accelerated schedule explains why the decorated manager will miss out on Madrid’s Club World Cup campaign.

Who Takes Over at the Bernabeu?

With Ancelotti’s departure now seemingly inevitable, attention turns to his potential successor at Real Madrid. The early frontrunner appears to be none other than former Madrid midfield maestro Xabi Alonso, who has been performing miracles as manager of Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso’s spectacular success in Germany, where he’s transformed Leverkusen into genuine Bundesliga contenders, has not gone unnoticed by his former employers. His intimate understanding of Madrid’s culture and expectations makes him an ideal candidate to take over from Ancelotti.

A Legacy in Transition

For Ancelotti, the move represents an extraordinary new chapter in an already illustrious career. Having managed elite clubs across all of Europe’s top leagues, the opportunity to lead the most successful national team in World Cup history offers a different kind of challenge entirely.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid faces yet another transition period. The club has navigated managerial changes successfully in the past, but replacing Ancelotti’s steady hand and tactical acumen presents a significant challenge, even for an institution as resilient as Los Blancos.

As the football world absorbs this seismic shift in the coaching landscape, one thing becomes clear – both Real Madrid and Brazil are entering fascinating new eras, with the ripple effects of Ancelotti’s decision likely to be felt across the global game for years to come.