Carlo Ancelotti, the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s illustrious history, has bid farewell to the club following a season that concluded without major silverware. His departure, announced on May 23, 2025, comes after a challenging campaign marked by early exits from both the Champions League and Copa del Rey, as well as a La Liga title race that ended in disappointment. (Cadena SER)
A Season of Highs and Lows
Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid was characterized by significant achievements, including multiple Champions League titles. However, the 2024–25 season proved to be a difficult one. The team’s Champions League campaign ended abruptly with a 5–1 aggregate defeat to Arsenal in the quarterfinals, highlighting challenges in integrating new signings and maintaining consistent performance. (Breitbart)
Mbappé’s Integration and Vinícius’ Development
One of the most anticipated aspects of Ancelotti’s final season was the integration of Kylian Mbappé, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain. Ancelotti acknowledged that Mbappé’s adaptation period had concluded, noting his increasing involvement and improvement in each match. Despite this, the team’s overall performance remained inconsistent. (SuperSport)
Regarding Vinícius Júnior, Ancelotti addressed rumors linking the Brazilian winger to a move to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that “there are no princes or kings” in the locker room, underscoring the team’s collective ethos. (Forbes)
Xabi Alonso’s Appointment
In the aftermath of the season’s challenges, Real Madrid announced the appointment of Xabi Alonso as the new head coach. Alonso, a former player who previously managed Bayer Leverkusen, is set to lead the team into a new era. His appointment was officially confirmed on May 26, 2025, with a focus on building a proactive and balanced team, aiming to allow talents like Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, and Vinícius Júnior to flourish. (The Guardian)
Ancelotti’s Legacy
Despite the recent setbacks, Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid remains significant. Over his two stints with the club, he secured 15 major trophies, including three Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and three Supercopas de Europa. His departure marks the end of an era, but his contributions to the club’s rich history are indelible. (Diario AS)
As Real Madrid transitions under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, the club aims to build upon its storied legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of European football. Ancelotti’s reflections offer valuable insights into the complexities of managing a top-tier club and the challenges inherent in balancing individual talent with collective success.(The Guardian)
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