Carlo Ancelotti, affectionately known as “Carletto” in Italy and “Don Carlo” in Spain, stands as a monumental figure in the world of football management. With a career spanning decades and encompassing some of the most prestigious clubs across Europe, Ancelotti has consistently demonstrated a remarkable ability to win trophies and cultivate harmonious team environments.
As of late April 2025, the 65-year-old Italian continues to helm Real Madrid, navigating the challenges of one of the most demanding jobs in football while his future beyond the current season remains a subject of intense speculation.
A Distinguished Playing Career: Laying the Foundation
Before his legendary managerial career, Carlo Ancelotti enjoyed a successful stint as a midfielder. Born on June 10, 1959, he began his professional journey with Parma, helping them achieve promotion to Serie B. His talent soon attracted the attention of Roma, where he won a Serie A title and four Coppa Italia trophies.
The latter part of his playing career saw him become a key member of Arrigo Sacchi’s iconic AC Milan side of the late 1980s and early 1990s, winning two Serie A titles and two European Cups (the precursor to the UEFA Champions League), along with numerous other domestic and international accolades. Ancelotti was also a capped international for Italy, representing his nation at the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups. This experience as a player at the highest level undoubtedly shaped his understanding of the game and his approach to managing top talent.
The Budding Tactician: Early Steps in Management
Ancelotti retired from playing and went into coaching. He served as an assistant manager for the Italian national team under Sacchi, playing a role in their journey to the 1994 World Cup final. His first head coaching role came at Serie B side Reggiana in 1995-96, where he immediately guided the team to promotion to Serie A, showcasing his early managerial promise.
Subsequent spells at Parma and Juventus further honed his tactical acumen and his ability to work with established players. While he didn’t achieve major silverware at these early clubs, he laid the groundwork for the immense success that would follow.
The Milan Mastermind: Domestic and European Glory
It was his tenure at AC Milan (2001-2009) that truly cemented Carlo Ancelotti’s reputation as one of the elite managers in world football. During his eight seasons at the San Siro, he built a formidable and stylish team that dominated Italian and European football.
Under his guidance, Milan won the UEFA Champions League twice (2003, 2007), the Serie A title (2004), the Coppa Italia (2003), the Supercoppa Italiana (2004), the UEFA Super Cup twice (2003, 2007), and the FIFA Club World Cup (2007). His tactical flexibility, ability to manage big egos, and calm demeanor on the touchline became hallmarks of his managerial style.
Conquering England and France: Adding to the Trophy Cabinet
Ancelotti’s success wasn’t limited to Italy. In 2009, he took charge of Chelsea in the English Premier League and immediately led them to a historic domestic double, winning the Premier League title and the FA Cup in his first season.
Although his time at Stamford Bridge was relatively short, he left a lasting impression with his tactical nous and gentlemanly approach. In 2011, he moved to Paris Saint-Germain in France, where he guided the club to their first Ligue 1 title in 19 years in the 2012-13 season, further demonstrating his ability to achieve success in diverse footballing cultures.
The Madrid Magic: La Décima and Beyond
His first spell at Real Madrid (2013-2015) was defined by the long-awaited “La Décima” – the club’s tenth UEFA Champions League title, which he delivered in his debut season, also winning the Copa del Rey. Despite achieving this historic milestone, he was eventually dismissed, a testament to the relentless pressure and high expectations at the Santiago Bernabéu.
After stints at Bayern Munich (where he won the Bundesliga title in 2017) and Napoli, Ancelotti returned to the Premier League with Everton in 2019. While he brought stability and improved results to Goodison Park, the lure of Real Madrid proved too strong, and he rejoined the Spanish giants for a second spell in the summer of 2021.
His second tenure at Real Madrid has been remarkably successful. He led the team to a La Liga and Champions League double in the 2021-22 season, becoming the first manager to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues (Italy, England, Spain, Germany, and France). He also became the first manager to win the UEFA Champions League four times (a record he has since extended to five).
Further successes followed, including the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup in 2023, and another La Liga title, Spanish Super Cup, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup in 2024. As of late April 2025, his Real Madrid side are still in contention for the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, scheduled for April 26th, 2025.
The Current Landscape: Real Madrid and Future Speculation
As of late April 2025, Carlo Ancelotti remains the manager of Real Madrid. However, his future at the club beyond the current season has become a significant talking point. Recent reports suggest that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have been in talks with Ancelotti about potentially taking over as the head coach of the Brazil national team.
While Ancelotti has publicly stated his commitment to Real Madrid, the allure of managing a national team of Brazil’s stature, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, is undoubtedly a compelling proposition.
Following Real Madrid’s recent elimination from the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, speculation about Ancelotti’s future has intensified. While his contract with Real Madrid runs until June 2026, the demanding nature of the job and the club’s high expectations mean that his position is constantly under scrutiny. The outcome of the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on April 26th, 2025, could potentially play a significant role in determining his immediate future at the club.
The Enduring Legacy of “Carletto”
Carlo Ancelotti’s managerial career is a masterclass in longevity, adaptability, and consistent success. His ability to build winning teams across different leagues and cultures, coupled with his respected and approachable demeanor, has earned him the admiration of players, colleagues, and fans alike. Whether he continues his journey at Real Madrid beyond the current season or embarks on a new challenge with the Brazilian national team, his legacy as one of the greatest football managers of all time is already firmly established.
His tactical acumen, his skill in managing top-level players, and his remarkable trophy haul speak volumes about his enduring impact on the beautiful game. As the 2024-2025 season reaches its climax, the football world watches with keen interest to see what the next chapter holds for the legendary “Don Carlo.”
FAQs
Who is Carlo Ancelotti?
Carlo Ancelotti is a legendary Italian football manager and former professional player, currently the head coach of Real Madrid. Widely regarded as one of the greatest football minds of all time, Ancelotti has built a reputation for his calm leadership, tactical adaptability, and success across Europe’s top clubs. He’s the only manager in history to win the UEFA Champions League four times as a coach, and has also secured domestic league titles in Italy, England, France, Germany, and Spain, making him the first manager to do so in all five of Europe’s major leagues.
What was Ancelotti’s playing career like?
Before becoming a world-renowned manager, Ancelotti was a gifted midfielder who played for Parma, Roma, and AC Milan. During his time at Milan, he was part of the iconic squad under Arrigo Sacchi that won two European Cups (1989, 1990) and multiple Serie A titles. Known for his intelligence, passing ability, and tactical awareness, Ancelotti was never the flashiest player on the pitch, but he was a vital part of any midfield he played in. He also represented the Italian national team, earning over 25 caps and playing in the 1986 and 1990 World Cups.
What teams has Carlo Ancelotti managed?
Ancelotti’s managerial career began with Reggiana and Parma, but he truly rose to prominence with Juventus and then AC Milan, where he won multiple trophies, including two Champions League titles. After that, he went on to coach some of the biggest clubs in the world: Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Real Madrid (in two separate spells), Bayern Munich, Napoli, and Everton. His managerial résumé is one of the most decorated in football history.
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