OFFICIAL: Real Madrid bid farewell to Ancelotti and prepare for new era

Carlo Ancelotti's time at Real Madrid is officially over. After missing out on every major trophy this term, the 65-year-old parts ways with Los Blancos to begin a new journey in his mighty managerial career and take over the Brazil national team.

The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) had already anticipated the news, unveiling it a day after Real Madrid's 4-2 defeat to Barcelona in the 'Clasico' earlier this month. After weeks of silence, the Merengues have finally spoken out on Ancelotti's departure.

"Real Madrid and Ancelotti have reached an agreement to bring his time as head coach to an end. The club would like to express its heartfelt gratitude and affection to one of the true legends of both Real Madrid and world football," reads a statement from the club.

The Italian's exit has been a long time coming after a difficult campaign for him and his beloved Real Madrid side. From the heights of last season, when Los Blancos won the Champions League and La Liga title, Ancelotti has been abruptly brought back down to earth this term.

Not only did Real Madrid crash out of the Champions League after being demolished by Arsenal in the quarter-finals, but they also lost back-to-back domestic cup finals to eternal rivals Barcelona. By the time of the title-deciding 'Clasico' on May 11, his destiny was already sealed.

Ancelotti was on course to gift Real Madrid joy one last time after Mbappe's early brace at the Montjuic brought them within one point of the Catalans in the title race, but a spirited comeback from Hansi Flick's men saw them eventually miss out on back-to-back La Liga glory.

A piece of Real Madrid history

Despite his inability to salvage their title hopes, Ancelotti's achievements with Real Madrid remain etched into the club's history books. He is their most decorated manager, having won a total of 15 trophies during his two spells in the Spanish capital.

In his first spell between 2013-15, he conquered the Copa del Rey, Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and the Club World Cup. The Italy international returned in 2021 to succeed Zinedine Zidane, proving that he had lost none of his old magic.

Having previously overseen the 'decima' triumph in 2014, Ancelotti was considered a safe pair of hands. He surpassed expectations, infamously high among Real Madrid supporters, by maintaining the club's status as the strongest in Europe.

Los Blancos secured a La Liga title in his first season back, giving Ancelotti the clean sweep, before defeating Liverpool in Paris to push the Italian clear of Zidane and Bob Paisley with a record fourth Champions League as a manager.

Real Madrid had to settle for the Copa del Rey and Club World Cup trophies the following year, but they roared back after the signing of Jude Bellingham with another La Liga-Champions League double last season.

A new era for both

However, Ancelotti's fate was seemingly inevitable after a quarter-final humbling in Europe by Arsenal this term was followed by major slumps against Barcelona, whom they have been unable to beat in their league title defence and the domestic cup finals.

But with the end of an era comes the start of a new one. With Real Madrid now set to turn pages with Xabi Alonso, who is expected to be announced in the coming days after leaving Leverkusen, Ancelotti will be hoping to do the same.

Fresh off his Madrid exit, Ancelotti will make his debut in international management and become the first foreign coach of the Brazilian national team since 1965. The appointment was made official on May 12 by the five-time World Cup winners.

The former Reggiana, Parma, Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton, and now Real Madrid boss will therefore take over at the 'Canarinha' following Dorival Junior's dismissal in March, kickstarting his new adventure during the World Cup qualifiers in June.

He will be tasked with sealing a record-extending sixth World Cup triumph at the upcoming finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026 and restore Brazil's reputation as the leading force in international football.