SPORT

Ancelotti Bids Emotional Farewell to Real Madrid as Xabi Alonso Prepares to Take Over

Written by Jerry Alomatu on May 23, 2025

News Views: 291

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is set to coach his final game for the club on Saturday, as he prepares to depart for his new role as head coach of the Brazil national team. Ahead of his exit, Ancelotti extended his best wishes to his expected successor, Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

While Real Madrid has yet to formally announce Alonso’s appointment, the Spanish football legend is widely anticipated to take charge before the Club World Cup, following a record-breaking unbeaten season with Leverkusen that included a Bundesliga title and the German Cup.

Ancelotti, who has overseen Madrid across two spells totaling six seasons, departs with a glittering record that includes 15 major trophies—among them three UEFA Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and two Copas del Rey. His leadership saw the club secure its 10th Champions League crown in 2014 and further triumphs in 2022 and 2024.

Saturday’s La Liga fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad will mark the end of an era for both Ancelotti and midfielder Luka Modric, who is also playing his final game at the iconic stadium. Modric is expected to feature in the upcoming Club World Cup before leaving the club.

The occasion is set to be highly emotional for Ancelotti, who acknowledged the personal significance of the farewell, describing the day as a heartfelt conclusion to his time with the club. He also emphasized the meaningful bond he shares with Real Madrid, a connection he described as lifelong in a public farewell letter.

Real Madrid officially confirmed Ancelotti’s departure on Friday, a year ahead of the expiration of his contract. This comes nearly two weeks after Brazil named him as their new national team coach starting in the summer.

In its statement, the club expressed deep gratitude, celebrating Ancelotti as a true icon in both Madrid and global football history. Club president Florentino Perez praised the Italian not only for his achievements but also for the values he brought to the role.

Ancelotti remains the most successful manager in UEFA Champions League history, having won the tournament five times—three with Madrid and two with AC Milan.