Failure of the departure to Brazil: What Florentino Pérez promised Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti’s long-anticipated move to coach the Brazilian national team has collapsed at the final hour—once again. Despite weeks of negotiations, late-night meetings, and an agreement in principle with the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), the Italian coach has turned his back on Brazil for a second time. The reason? A pivotal promise made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez that has changed everything.

It had seemed inevitable. After a disappointing season with Real Madrid—marked by injuries, internal uncertainty, and a recent 3-2 defeat to arch-rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final—Ancelotti was widely expected to exit the Bernabéu. The pressure from fans and media was mounting, and with Xabi Alonso waiting in the wings to take over, Brazil appeared to be the perfect escape.

The Seleção had already started making preparations. They were ready to announce Carlo Ancelotti as their new head coach in May, well ahead of the June FIFA international break. Sources close to the Brazilian federation confirmed that everything had been arranged: contracts drafted, press conferences planned, and even tactical outlines discussed. But none of that would come to fruition.

According to reports from Relevo, a key turning point came when Carlo Ancelotti, along with a Brazilian delegation, visited the home of Florentino Pérez on Tuesday evening. The meeting, which was supposed to seal his departure, ended up reshaping the coach’s future entirely. It was there that Pérez laid down a critical condition.

While the Madrid boss did not outright oppose Ancelotti’s move to Brazil, he insisted on one thing: if the Italian left in June, he would forfeit the entirety of his final year’s salary. Ancelotti’s contract runs until June 2026, meaning that walking away now would cost him millions in unearned wages.

This financial pressure came alongside emotional and strategic considerations. Pérez made it clear that Ancelotti was still valued at the club, especially with the FIFA Club World Cup set to take place in the United States later this year. The Real Madrid president wanted the veteran coach to guide the team through that tournament before making any career decisions.

Despite having verbally agreed to terms with Brazil, Ancelotti wasn’t entirely sold on the project. Sources say he harbored reservations about the current instability within the Brazilian federation, including internal divisions and leadership transitions. When Florentino laid out his counteroffer—stay, finish the Club World Cup, and walk away with full honors and compensation—the Italian was swayed.

Ancelotti, ever the pragmatic tactician, then made a request to the Brazilian federation: delay the announcement until August. He wanted time to fulfill his remaining duties at Real Madrid and leave on his own terms. Brazil, however, refused. Their timeline demanded immediate commitment, especially with World Cup qualifying and international friendlies approaching in June.

The refusal effectively ended negotiations. Without a signed contract and with Real Madrid unwilling to release their coach early without penalty, the entire operation collapsed. What had seemed like a sealed deal unraveled due to a mixture of strategic maneuvering and personal loyalty.

Florentino’s long-term plan for Madrid is now becoming clearer. The club president wants to maintain continuity until the Club World Cup concludes. Xabi Alonso, currently at Bayer Leverkusen, has already been identified as Ancelotti’s successor, but only after the summer tournament. Until then, stability is paramount.

Even though Santiago Solari is available to manage the team during the Club World Cup, Florentino prefers that Ancelotti and his existing staff remain in charge. The reasoning is straightforward: a sudden change could unsettle the squad at a critical moment, risking Madrid’s ambitions in an increasingly prestigious international tournament.

To sweeten the deal even further, Pérez has promised Ancelotti a proper send-off once his tenure is over. Not only will the coach receive his full contractual salary, but he’ll also be honored with a tribute fitting of a Real Madrid legend. There’s also talk of offering Ancelotti an ambassadorial role within the club—a lifelong association that would preserve his legacy.

Meanwhile, lucrative offers continue to flood in for the veteran coach. Al Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs, is reportedly willing to pay Ancelotti €50 million per season. Compared to the logistical headaches and political complexity of managing Brazil, a move to the Middle East appears both more stable and financially superior.

Carlo’s decision, then, is not just about money. It’s about timing, trust, and control. Staying at Madrid allows him to exit on his own terms, protect his reputation, and ensure the team he built finishes the journey he started. For someone with his level of experience and success, it’s a calculated decision.

Reports from Diario AS, Fabrizio Romano, and other reputable sources confirm that Xabi Alonso will take over as Real Madrid head coach next season. The succession is a matter of “when,” not “if.” The final act of Ancelotti’s second stint at Madrid will take place on American soil, with a Club World Cup trophy possibly serving as the perfect parting gift.

Brazil, left stunned, will have to return to the drawing board. Their dream of having Ancelotti lead them into the 2026 World Cup now lies in tatters. With no clear Plan B and the pressure to find a high-profile coach, the federation finds itself scrambling yet again.

In contrast, Real Madrid’s leadership walks away from this episode with yet another victory off the pitch. By delaying the transition and maintaining unity, they’ve managed to protect their current project while setting the stage for a seamless succession.

In the end, Florentino Pérez didn’t forbid Ancelotti from leaving—but he played his cards perfectly. With a mix of loyalty, financial leverage, and vision, he convinced one of the greatest minds in football to stay the course for just a little longer.

And in doing so, he may have just set Real Madrid up for another era of success.