Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti bid farewell ahead of his final game at the club, expressing well wishes to his successor Xabi Alonso before taking charge of the Brazil national team. During a press conference in Madrid on Friday, May 23, 2025, Ancelotti spoke about his departure after six successful seasons split across two spells, during which he won 15 trophies.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso, who won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2024, is set to take over at Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, though the club has not officially announced his appointment.
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Ancelotti addressed his successor's upcoming role at the press conference, saying, "I don't want to give advice because everyone has their own idea about football. Xabi is the first (to come after me), I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team -- enjoy it."
The 65-year-old Italian coach acknowledged the emotional nature of his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
"I have it in my genetics that I get emotional very quickly, because my grandfather did that, and my father too, so it will be a very emotional day tomorrow," Ancelotti said. "I have no problem if I end up crying, no problem at all, I will not hide it in that sense. It will be a beautiful day."
The match will also mark midfielder Luka Modric's last game at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Croatian set to depart after the Club World Cup in the United States.
Ancelotti posted an open letter on social media expressing his gratitude, stating, "I carry in my heart every moment experienced in this wonderful second spell as Real Madrid coach. They've been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, trophies and, above all, the pride of representing this badge... My bond with Real Madrid is eternal."
Real Madrid confirmed Ancelotti's departure, with club president Florentino Perez saying, "Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great Madridista family. We feel incredibly honored to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion."
During his tenure, Ancelotti achieved remarkable success, winning three Champions League titles with Madrid, along with two La Liga titles and two Copas del Rey.
His first spell at the club from 2013-2015 saw Madrid secure their 10th Champions League title in 2014. Upon his return in 2021, he led the team to Champions League victories in 2022 and 2024.
Ancelotti holds the record for most Champions League trophies as a coach with five titles, including two with AC Milan.
Brazil had announced two weeks prior that the Italian would take charge of their national team from this summer onwards, a year before his Real Madrid contract was set to expire.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Alonso, who won the Bundesliga and German Cup in 2024, is set to take over at Real Madrid ahead of the Club World Cup, though the club has not officially announced his appointment.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
Ancelotti addressed his successor's upcoming role at the press conference, saying, "I don't want to give advice because everyone has their own idea about football. Xabi is the first (to come after me), I wish him all the luck in the world, because he is a coach who has the characteristics to coach this club, this team -- enjoy it."
The 65-year-old Italian coach acknowledged the emotional nature of his final match at the Santiago Bernabeu against Real Sociedad in La Liga.
"I have it in my genetics that I get emotional very quickly, because my grandfather did that, and my father too, so it will be a very emotional day tomorrow," Ancelotti said. "I have no problem if I end up crying, no problem at all, I will not hide it in that sense. It will be a beautiful day."
The match will also mark midfielder Luka Modric's last game at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the Croatian set to depart after the Club World Cup in the United States.
Ancelotti posted an open letter on social media expressing his gratitude, stating, "I carry in my heart every moment experienced in this wonderful second spell as Real Madrid coach. They've been unforgettable years, an incredible journey full of emotions, trophies and, above all, the pride of representing this badge... My bond with Real Madrid is eternal."
Real Madrid confirmed Ancelotti's departure, with club president Florentino Perez saying, "Carlo Ancelotti will forever be part of the great Madridista family. We feel incredibly honored to have had the chance to enjoy a coach who has helped us achieve so much success, but who has also embodied our club's values in such exemplary fashion."
During his tenure, Ancelotti achieved remarkable success, winning three Champions League titles with Madrid, along with two La Liga titles and two Copas del Rey.
🤩 #GraciasCarlo 🤩 pic.twitter.com/NbxOnkybHX
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 23, 2025
His first spell at the club from 2013-2015 saw Madrid secure their 10th Champions League title in 2014. Upon his return in 2021, he led the team to Champions League victories in 2022 and 2024.
Ancelotti holds the record for most Champions League trophies as a coach with five titles, including two with AC Milan.
Hoy separamos de nuevo nuestros caminos. Hoy de nuevo me llevo en el corazón cada momento vivido en esta maravillosa segunda etapa como entrenador del Real Madrid. Han sido años inolvidables, un viaje increíble lleno de emociones, títulos y, sobre todo, del orgullo de representar… pic.twitter.com/f2vmc3yEoJ
— Carlo Ancelotti (@MrAncelotti) May 23, 2025
Brazil had announced two weeks prior that the Italian would take charge of their national team from this summer onwards, a year before his Real Madrid contract was set to expire.
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