Fabrizio Romano makes Carlo Ancelotti’s departure to Brazil official: the date is known!

After months of speculation, it’s now official — Carlo Ancelotti is set to depart Real Madrid to take over as the head coach of the Brazilian national team. The news, confirmed by the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, signals the end of one of the most iconic coaching eras in the modern history of Los Blancos.

Ancelotti’s time at Real Madrid has been nothing short of historic. The Italian tactician returned to the Spanish capital in 2021 for a second spell, following his initial tenure between 2013 and 2015. In both stints, he delivered silverware, calm leadership, and a tactical versatility that made Real Madrid both feared and admired across Europe.

However, despite having a contract that runs until June 2026, Ancelotti has decided to walk away earlier than expected. His decision comes in the wake of Real Madrid’s recent heartbreak in the Copa del Rey final, where they suffered a painful 3-2 loss to arch-rivals Barcelona — their third defeat to the Catalans this season.

That loss, according to insiders close to the club and Romano himself, became the defining moment that pushed Ancelotti to finalize his future. It wasn’t just another defeat; it was the culmination of a season filled with turbulence, inconsistency, and unmet expectations — especially in Europe, where the club was knocked out prematurely from the UEFA Champions League.

While Real Madrid fans may have hoped that Ancelotti would stay to lead them into a new era, the call from Brazil had grown too loud to ignore. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has long admired Ancelotti’s calm demeanor, extensive trophy cabinet, and ability to manage star-studded squads — qualities that make him an ideal candidate to lead the Seleção into the 2026 World Cup.

According to Romano, although the agreement between Ancelotti and the CBF is in place, it has not yet been formally signed. This delay is due to the need for an official announcement and mutual termination agreement with Real Madrid — a process that should be completed before the end of the La Liga season.

Ancelotti is still expected to complete the current campaign with Los Blancos, and he reportedly hopes to finish on a high note. One of the biggest remaining fixtures is the potential title-deciding clash against Barcelona on May 11 at Montjuïc. A victory in that game could reignite Real Madrid’s La Liga hopes and provide Ancelotti with the perfect send-off.

Behind the scenes, club president Florentino Pérez and the board are already working on how to bid farewell to Ancelotti in a manner befitting his status. Despite some reported disagreements over player signings and contract renewals during his tenure, there is immense respect for what Ancelotti has achieved since returning from Everton.

Under Ancelotti’s guidance, Real Madrid claimed a La Liga title, a Champions League crown, UEFA Super Cups, and Club World Cups. Perhaps more importantly, he managed to nurture younger talents like Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo, Camavinga, and Valverde, while still getting the best out of veterans like Luka Modrić and Karim Benzema.

As he prepares to begin a new chapter in international football, Ancelotti will be stepping into a role with unique pressure and high expectations. Brazil, still reeling from recent underperformances, sees Ancelotti as the man to restore their global dominance ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The CBF has reportedly offered Ancelotti a lucrative and long-term contract, with the role set to officially begin in June. That timeline confirms that Ancelotti will not be managing Real Madrid in the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, nor will he be involved in their summer transfer dealings.

Attention now turns to his successor. Multiple reports — including those by Fabrizio Romano and Spanish daily MARCA — suggest that former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is the leading candidate to take over. Currently coaching Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso has elevated the Bundesliga side into a formidable force, and his tactical knowledge has impressed many at the Santiago Bernabéu.

While names like Jürgen Klopp have also been floated, particularly due to his recent exit from Liverpool and his reputation for building resilient squads, sources indicate that Alonso’s connection to Madrid and his understanding of the club’s philosophy make him the preferred option.

If everything goes to plan, Alonso is expected to inform Bayer Leverkusen of his decision in the coming days. Once that happens, Real Madrid will likely make the announcement of his arrival official — possibly as early as the end of the La Liga season.

This transition marks a monumental shift not just for Real Madrid, but for football as a whole. The movement of Ancelotti to Brazil and Alonso potentially stepping up to manage one of the biggest clubs in world football reflects the cyclical nature of elite management.

While Madridistas may feel a sense of sadness watching Ancelotti go, they will also recognize that he leaves the club in a better state than he found it. His legacy is one of poise, success, and stability — and the tributes that will pour in over the coming weeks will be a testament to his impact.

Meanwhile, in Brazil, optimism is rising. After several years of underwhelming results and coaching experiments, the five-time World Cup champions believe they now have the leadership to usher in a new golden generation. With young talents like Endrick, Vitor Roque, and Rodrygo on the rise, Ancelotti’s calm hand may be exactly what they need.

As June approaches, football fans across the globe will keep their eyes on both Madrid and Brazil. Two giants, connected by one legendary coach. One era ends — and another begins.