Carlo Ancelotti expressed his desire to continue leading Real Madrid well beyond 2026 following the recent signing of a two-year contract extension with the Spanish club. The 64-year-old, who has been with Real since 2021 and previously managed the club from 2013 to 2015, secured the extension last week, ensuring his stay beyond the original expiration date in June.
Ancelotti, who has achieved notable success with Real, including a league title, two Champions League trophies, and two Club World Cups, shared his optimism about the future. “My contract was up on June 30. The club has decided to do it now because they’re happy with our work,” he mentioned in a press conference ahead of a game against Mallorca.
Expressing his uncertainty about whether this will be his final coaching stint, Ancelotti revealed his ambitious plan: “I don’t know what will happen once I finish here. I might still be here in 2026, depending on how successful I am. I’d like to be Madrid coach until 2026, and hopefully I can continue to be here in 2027 and 2028 because I want to stay here.”
Despite previous links to the Brazil national team coaching position, Ancelotti clarified that his priority has always been staying with Real Madrid. He acknowledged the excitement of being considered for the role but emphasized that his decision was influenced by the clarity of his situation with the Spanish club.
While there was speculation about him becoming the Brazil coach, Ancelotti noted, “Thinking about being the Brazil coach was exciting, but I don’t know if they will want me in 2026. I don’t know if they will be happy with this decision.”