Ancelotti on Trial: Real Madrid's Next Steps

Carlo Ancelotti faces tax fraud allegations while Real Madrid considers Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement. Discover the implications for Ancelotti's future and whether he will stay with the club or leave for Brazil. Full analysis inside.

4/1/20253 min read

Carlo Ancelotti: A Football Genius Under Trial & Future in Doubt ⚽️

Carlo Ancelotti is not just a football manager; he's a legend. With a record-breaking career spanning multiple countries, clubs, and achievements, he remains one of the most decorated coaches in football history. However, as of April 2025, his illustrious journey faces two massive roadblocks: a tax fraud trial and uncertainty about his future at Real Madrid. Let's explore both these critical issues in detail, analyze the statistics, and uncover what lies ahead for the Italian mastermind.

The Tax Fraud Trial: A Threat to His Legacy? 📈

The Allegations: What’s at Stake? 🔍

Carlo Ancelotti has been accused of defrauding Spain's tax authorities of over €1 million during his tenure as Real Madrid manager in 2014-2015. According to the Spanish prosecutors, he failed to declare his image rights earnings and used offshore companies to avoid taxation. This has led to serious legal consequences, including a potential 4 years and 9 months prison sentence.

How Common Is This Issue Among Football Elites?

Ancelotti isn’t the first high-profile football figure to face tax fraud allegations in Spain. Over the last decade, several big names have found themselves in similar trouble:

Lionel Messi – Fined €2 million and sentenced to 21 months in prison (converted into a fine).

Cristiano Ronaldo – Paid a €18.8 million settlement to avoid a trial.

José Mourinho – Faced a fine of over €3 million for tax fraud.

It’s evident that Spanish tax authorities have been particularly strict with football celebrities. The question is: Will Ancelotti suffer the same fate, or will he escape with a financial settlement?

Real Madrid's Future Without Ancelotti? 🏆

Rumors of a Successor: Is Xabi Alonso the Chosen One? 🎯

Ancelotti's contract with Real Madrid runs until 2026, but recent reports suggest that he is considering his future at the club. Sources indicate that Real Madrid has been in contact with Xabi Alonso, the current Bayer Leverkusen coach, as a potential successor.

Xabi Alonso, a former Real Madrid player and Champions League winner, has impressed in his managerial career with Bayer Leverkusen, leading them to the top of the Bundesliga table in 2025. His tactical intelligence and deep understanding of the game make him a strong candidate to replace Ancelotti.

Internal Conflicts: Why Ancelotti Might Leave? 🌐

Several factors suggest that Ancelotti himself is considering stepping down at the end of the season:

Lack of trust from the club: Reports suggest that Real Madrid's board isn’t fully backing him, and leaks from inside the club have annoyed the Italian coach.

Family Priorities: His son, Davide Ancelotti, who serves as his assistant coach, is expected to take on an independent managerial role soon.

Brazil National Team Interest: The Brazilian FA has renewed its interest in hiring Ancelotti as their head coach for the 2026 World Cup campaign.

With these factors in play, the possibility of Ancelotti’s departure from Real Madrid is increasing.

Breaking Down Ancelotti's Success at Real Madrid ✨

Despite all the uncertainty, Ancelotti’s second tenure at Real Madrid has been a phenomenal success. Let's take a look at some of his key achievements:

Ancelotti's Record at Real Madrid (Second Spell: 2021-Present)

Games Managed: 200+

Win Percentage: Over 70%

Trophies Won:

La Liga: 1 (2021-22)

Champions League: 1 (2021-22)

Supercopa de España: 1 (2021-22)

UEFA Super Cup: 1 (2022)

FIFA Club World Cup: 1 (2023)

Copa del Rey: 1 (2023)

He is currently the only manager in football history to win league titles in all of Europe’s top five leagues – Spain, England, Italy, Germany, and France.

If Ancelotti does leave Real Madrid, his legacy will remain intact, but his departure will leave a massive void.

What’s Next for Ancelotti? 🔮

Possible Outcomes of His Legal Case

Acquittal: If Ancelotti can prove his innocence, he will continue coaching without legal repercussions.

Financial Settlement: Given that other football stars have settled tax cases with fines instead of prison time, this remains the most likely outcome.

Prison Sentence: If convicted, he could face jail time or a suspended sentence, severely impacting his career.

Potential Next Destinations

Staying at Real Madrid: If he wins the Champions League this season, Madrid might extend his contract and dismiss Alonso rumors.

Brazil National Team: Ancelotti has long been linked with managing Brazil, and the 2026 World Cup could be his perfect opportunity.

Retirement: Given his age (65), Ancelotti might choose to step away from football after an illustrious career.

Conclusion: Ancelotti's Next Chapter Awaits 🌟

Carlo Ancelotti is at a crossroads. While he continues to be one of the most respected football managers, his legal battles and career uncertainties make 2025 a defining year. Whether he remains at Real Madrid, moves to Brazil, or faces the harsh reality of a tax fraud conviction, one thing is clear – his impact on football is undeniable.

For now, fans and football experts alike wait to see what the next chapter holds for King Carlo. 👑