Ciao, Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid boss expected to depart Santiago Bernabeu and accept Brazil job with Xabi Alonso set to take over former club this summer

Per The Athletic, Ancelotti is expected to leave Real this summer and accept the role as Brazil's new permanent manager ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Reports suggest Brazil sent a representative to Madrid to watch the second leg of their quarter-final against Arsenal as Los Blancos were eliminated from the Champions League, with the intention of meeting Ancelotti. The CBF have denied this, although Ancelotti is said to be in advanced talks over a move, and Alonso is seemingly poised to take his place.

Alonso has already been sounded out over the prospect of taking the Madrid job and is said to be the frontrunner for the position. Madrid are reported to be desperate to clarify their situation before the Club World Cup starts in June. They have scheduled talks with the Italian for after the Copa del Rey final and it looks increasingly likely that the Italian will depart.

Ancelotti has overseen a glittering period in Real's history since being reappointed in 2021. He has won the Champions League with Real three times, and has done so twice in his current reign. He has also overseen two La Liga wins, two UEFA Super Cup wins, two Supercopa de Espana wins, a FIFA Club World Cup triumph, and a FIFA Intercontinental Cup triumph.

Alonso will have huge shoes to fill if he does take the job at Real. He guided Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title last season, but is a far less experienced option than the soon-to-depart 65-year-old.