April 22 – Carlo Ancelotti is expected to step down as Real Madrid manager following the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26, with the Italian lined up to take over as Brazil’s new head coach ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The 65-year-old will remain in charge through to the cup final in Seville, but is unlikely to lead Los Blancos into the season-defining El Clásico on May 11. Brazil are pushing to finalise Ancelotti’s appointment before the conclusion of the Spanish domestic season.
His position came under renewed scrutiny following Madrid’s 5-1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals, including a 2-1 loss at the Bernabéu. That exit, combined with Madrid trailing Barcelona by four points in LaLiga with seven games remaining, appears to have accelerated the timeline on Ancelotti’s departure.
“Maybe the club decides to replace me… that could be tomorrow, 10 days, one month or in one year,” Ancelotti said after the Arsenal defeat. “If my contract ends or doesn’t end.”
Since returning to the Bernabéu in 2021, Ancelotti has guided Madrid to 11 trophies – including two LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, and the Club World Cup – cementing his legacy across two successful spells.
Attention has now s to his successor, with Xabi Alonso emerging as the frontrunner despite the spotlight turning to former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp last week – a rumour that has since been squashed.
The former Real Madrid midfielder has earned plaudits for his work at Bayer Leverkusen, leading the club to an unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season. Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro has said the club would honour a gentleman’s agreement if a former side of Alonso’s came calling.
But before that, Ancelotti has one final shot at silverware in Seville — a fitting send-off for one of the club’s most decorated modern managers, even as the next chapter begins to take shape.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1745321564labto1745321564ofdlr1745321564owedi1745321564sni@g1745321564niwe.1745321564yrrah1745321564