Carlo Ancelotti has sent his best wishes to Xabi Alonso, widely expected to succeed him as Real Madrid manager, ahead of his final game in charge of the Spanish giants.
Although Real Madrid have yet to officially confirm Alonso’s appointment, the Bayer Leverkusen boss is tipped to take over this summer, before the Club World Cup.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad—his last match at the Santiago Bernabéu—Ancelotti offered warm words for his likely successor.
“I don’t want to give him advice—everyone has their footballing ideas,” said the Italian in Friday’s press conference. “Xabi is next in line. I wish him all the luck in the world. He’s got the qualities needed to manage this club and this team. I hope he enjoys it.”
Alonso, a former Real Madrid midfielder, recently led Leverkusen to an unbeaten Bundesliga title in 2024, along with a German Cup triumph—cementing his status as one of Europe’s brightest coaching prospects.
Ancelotti, 65, will step down after six seasons at Madrid over two spells, during which he won 15 trophies, including three Champions League titles, two La Liga crowns, and two Copa del Rey triumphs. He is set to take over the Brazilian national team this summer.
The veteran coach admitted his farewell will be an emotional moment.
“It’s in my genes—I get emotional very easily. My grandfather and father were the same,” he said. “Tomorrow will be a very emotional day. I have no issue if I end up crying. I won’t hide it—it will be a beautiful day.”
Saturday’s match will also mark Luka Modrić’s final appearance at the Bernabéu. The Croatian midfielder will feature in the Club World Cup in the United States before leaving Madrid.
“I’ll be sharing the occasion with Luka,” said Ancelotti. “He’s been a huge part of this era at Real Madrid—fantastic, a true legend. It’s nice to say goodbye together.”
Ancelotti also penned a heartfelt farewell letter on social media, calling his connection to Real Madrid “eternal.”
“I carry every moment of this second spell in my heart,” he wrote. “These years have been unforgettable—an incredible journey filled with emotion, trophies, and, above all, the pride of representing this badge… My bond with Real Madrid is eternal.”
The club confirmed his departure on Friday, a year before his contract was due to expire, and just under two weeks after Brazil officially announced his appointment as their new head coach.
In a statement, Real Madrid said, “Our club would like to express its gratitude and appreciation to a man who is a true legend of Real Madrid and world football.”
Club president Florentino Pérez added, “Carlo Ancelotti will always be part of the great Madridista family. We are proud to have had a coach who not only brought us great success but who has also represented the club’s values so well.”
Ancelotti guided Real Madrid to their long-awaited tenth European title in 2014 during his first spell. He returned in 2021 and added two more Champions League trophies in 2022 and 2024.
With a total of five Champions League titles—two with AC Milan and three with Madrid—Ancelotti remains the most successful manager in the competition’s history.
