Carlo Ancelotti reveals the moment he knew his legendary Real Madrid reign was over as he eyes fresh start with Brazil

In an interview with Marca, Ancelotti revealed that Real Madrid’s exit from the Champions League quarter-finals this season effectively sealed his fate. The Italian manager, the most successful in the club’s history with 15 trophies across two stints, failed to win any major silverware this season despite managing a star-studded lineup featuring Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., and Jude Bellingham.

Ancelotti revealed that following Real Madrid's UCL exit, he sat down with the board, and they mutually agreed it was time to "look for change." President Florentino Perez then moved forward with Xabi Alonso, who had been a target since his first Bundesliga-winning season with Bayer Leverkusen. On May 25, the LaLiga club announced Alonso as their new head coach, parting ways with Ancelotti, who later became Brazil’s first non-Brazilian manager.

In an interview with Marca, Ancelotti said: "Results were not what we expected, and the team’s play wasn’t great either. It was time to do something. After the tie against Arsenal, we talked about it and decided. It was something we could see coming. The team wasn’t in good shape and we realised it was best for Real Madrid to look for change and for me to look at Brazil."

After bidding adieu to Real Madrid, the five-time Champions League winner joined the Selecao. The Brazil management has pinned a lot of hopes on the Italian, intending to bring the World Cup back to Rio De Janeiro. Ancelotti has assured the fans that his side will play like the Real Madrid that won the 2023-24 Champions League.

Brazil will face Ecuador and Paraguay in their next FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers fixtures in June 2025.