By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Despite Brazil officially unveiling Carlo Ancelotti as its new national team manager, Real Madrid has remained conspicuously silent, offering no statement, tribute, or clarification regarding the veteran coach’s future at the club.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed Monday that Ancelotti will take charge of the Seleção following the conclusion of the La Liga season on May 25. While Brazil prepares to welcome its first-ever foreign head coach, Madrid has neither acknowledged his departure nor provided updates on a potential successor.
Ancelotti, 65, is under contract with Madrid until June 2026, but his appointment in Brazil appears imminent, with the CBF stating that he will begin his new role by the end of the month. He is expected to meet with Brazilian officials to finalize the squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, with the official squad announcement scheduled for May 26.
Ancelotti’s second spell at Madrid has been marked by considerable silverware: three Champions Leagues, two La Liga titles, three UEFA Super Cups, and more. However, this season has fallen short of expectations. The club lost key domestic finals to Barcelona, including the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, and was knocked out of the Champions League by Arsenal. Sunday’s 4–3 defeat to Barça in the season’s final Clásico further widened the gap between Madrid and their rivals, virtually handing the league title to the Catalans.
While fans and media speculate about Ancelotti’s farewell, Real Madrid has given no indication of an official send-off or transition plan. Notably, the club has not clarified whether Ancelotti will continue to lead the team through its remaining La Liga fixtures and into next month’s Club World Cup in the U.S.
The silence has only intensified rumors that former Madrid midfielder and current Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is set to return to the Bernabéu as head coach. Alonso, 43, confirmed his departure from Leverkusen last week after leading the club to a historic domestic double and an undefeated Bundesliga season. Multiple sources suggest that Madrid and Alonso have already reached a verbal agreement, with a formal announcement expected before the Club World Cup kicks off on June 14.
For now, Ancelotti is still expected to hold his usual pre-match press conference ahead of Madrid’s Wednesday clash with Mallorca, a must-win game to delay Barcelona’s likely title celebrations.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, the excitement is tangible. CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues hailed the appointment as both strategic and symbolic. “Ancelotti is not just a coach — he’s a statement,” Rodrigues said. “With him, we reaffirm Brazil’s ambition to reclaim its position atop world football.”
Ancelotti’s reported salary will make him the highest-paid national team coach in history, with a €5 million bonus on offer if he leads Brazil to a sixth World Cup title in 2026.
Though the transition seems certain, Real Madrid’s ongoing silence reflects an organization navigating change behind closed doors. Until the club speaks, speculation will remain as fans await clarity on one of the most consequential managerial shifts in recent football history.
