End of an Era: Carlo Ancelotti quits Real Madrid
Real Madrid is nearing the end of an era: Carlo Ancelotti will part ways with the club after the 2023/24 season. The Italian will now head the Brazilian national team and try to guide the Seleção to World Cup glory in 2026.
The news was confirmed by Ednaldo Rodrigues at a press conference, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), who also spoke about Ancelotti's first assignment as Brazilian coach.
Ancelotti's first assignment will be to lead Brazil at the 2024 Copa América, to be held in the United States. The 'Canarinha' are one of the big favourites to win the tournament.
One of the biggest challenges for Ancelotti will be reviving Neymar Jr. The polarising Brazilian forward started the 2022/23 season like a rocket, but is still searching for his best form and struggling with injuries after the painful elimination at the World Cup in Qatar.
Neymar is an essential part of the Brazilian team, having scored 77 goals in 127 games for his country so far.
In the meantime, Fernando Diniz will work as caretaker manager and prepare the team for Ancelotti's arrival in June 2024.
Ancelotti has undeniably left his mark on Real Madrid's history. Let's have a look at his achievements at the Spanish giants.
The Italian arrived in Madrid at the start of the 2021/22 season, after a spell at Everton. It would be Ancelotti's second time in charge of Los Merengues, having also led them from 2013 to 2015.
Ancelotti impressed during his first spell at Madrid, winning the Champions League and the Copa del Rey in the 2013/14 season.
The 2014 Champions League final was legendary: Real Madrid beat Atlético 4-1 after extra time. Los Merengues's fans will surely remember Sergio Ramos's epic equalizer in the final seconds of the match.
During his first spell at Madrid, Ancelotti also won the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.
In May 2015, Ancelotti and Real Madrid parted ways, but it wouldn't be the last they'd see of each other.
Ancelotti returned in 2021 and would pick up where he left off in 2015 by winning more trophies.
Ancelotti and Real had a great first season: they won the Spanish championship and the Spanish Super Cup, and added another Champions League to their trophy cabinet after an epic performance by Thibaut Courtois in the final against Liverpool.
The second season in charge of Los Merengues was rather disappointing compared to the first. Real Madrid won the FIFA Club World Cup, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Copa del Rey, but missed out on the Spanish title and the Champions League.
What will Ancelotti's final season at Real Madrid bring? Will he move to Brazil on a high note? Many football fans around the world are hoping so.